ok, stock plugs are being used, should they be gapped at anything special considering I have the MSD coil? (or does that extra 10,000 volts really do nothing?)
but I tested it out, and seat of the pants, it feels best around 12 degrees timing with 91 octane gas, and doesn't ping at all now, so I think I'll bite the bullet and leave it here...

thanks for the help!!