318 camshaft timing question

Ok, sorry. I had military duty the past several days. I'll try to answer everything.
It will ping no matter the distributor. I used 2 different HEI converted, stock distributors. I tried welding the slots, light and heavy springs, vacuum pods and still pinged. I got the ready to run MSD distributor and have better luck with it, but still does it. Tried 2 heavy springs and it ran like a slug and pinged on WOT. Currently it has 1 heavy and 1 blue spring in the distributor and the factory advance stop bushing. (Next weekend I plan to put the next larger stop bushing in the MSD). It has good throttle response, mpg and drivability. With those springs in it.
I eliminated the heat crossover butterfly, so it is wide open for stock manifolds.
The carb came with #52, 6.5pv, and 25 squirter. It now has #55, 10.5pv and 28 squirter. I could possibly go 31.
I have used Bosch plugs, splitfire, Autolite 64 and 65. Currently I have the champion 11s in it. Haven't checked them since the fall.
I have also run it with and without the EGR hooked up. I also have another EGR valve to try that has a larger opening.
Did I answer everyone's questions?
Thanks