Engine timing mechanical

I agree with TT5.9mag. If it's not detonating bad at 52°, that probably isn't really where your timing is at. Especially with a 3.23 gear. And I have also had a balancer that the timing mark was off. Mine was 6° retarded from tdc, so when I thought I had 38, I had 32.
The info I have, admittedly uncofirmed, says that cam has 252° at .050, and should be in at 108 centerline. If yours is six retarded, maybe that's why it needs timing.
I have basically the same combo, same compression and cam, and I've done exactly what you did, gave it timing till it runs right.