Help with pre ignition ping

Even short term spark knock is not acceptable. I found that out when I was young and inexperienced. Built a engine and ran good but with open headers I didn't hear it spark knocking. 10 runs is all it took to take out the bearings. Spark knock is essentially driving the pistons backwards. It will destroy pistons, rods, and especially bearings real fast. Do what ever it takes to eliminate it right now or I can almost guarantee you will pay dire consequences. Anybody disagree?

Did he have anymore info on the pistons? Did they stick way out of the deck? That's the only reason I can see for running a .090" head gasket.

I'd check out the cam also cause like Red said it could be degree'd wrong. May be way advanced. Even if you don't know what it is you can at least see where the intake centerline is. That'll give you some idea. Did you ask the engine builder what it was?