detonation / knock issue on 340

Start here you need to make sure the engine is not sucking extra air.
Spray around intake and carb. Find leak.
Then you can start checking carb(which is way to small imho), timing and ignition.
Also what are specs of engine?
Cam
Pistons
Compression ratio
Heads
I don't know the specs of the engine, I didn't build it and the last owner didn't know.
curious - what carb would you suggest?