Stopping the knock: Lower compression and ported heads...

No. I didn't say to delay the timing curve. I said LIMIT IT. You have to limit the curve by welding up the slots. 14 degrees advance could well have been too much and been the trouble all along. Initial is usually in the 20 degree area. Add in the 14 mechanical and that's 34*. Even more if initial was over 20. Usually high compression big blocks like only 30-32* total. That's what we kept trying to get through to you was to LIMIT the curve. Not delay it. Big difference. Plenty of people run more static compression with aluminum heads same as you on pump gas. There was no reason you could not have. You simply chose not to listen for whatever reason.