You could try an octane additive or aviation gas if you have a small airport locally. The problem with retarding timing to compensate for the pinging is that it greatly effects engine performance and just adds heat to the exhaust so the engine will run hotter. But you really need to figure out what the actual compression ratio is. you really need to know the exact CC of the combustion chambers of the heads, the piston the deck clearance, the volume of the valve re leafs in the pistons and the thickness of the head gasket. some of these cylinder heads did not have the supposed combustion chamber size. Not all 72 cc heads had a 72 cc chamber. If you have a set of the #48 350 HO heads, those chambers were supposedly 68cc chambers. But you never know. Back many years ago when we had good gasoline we would run Sunoco 93 in these engines without any problems.
If the other 2 cars are still available I would be super interested in talking to you about them!! I would love the opportunity to take over steward for your beautiful birds!!!
I know it takes a Quadrajet, but the right one would be pretty hard to find. The SPRINT cam I believe is available. In Smoke Signals I see there is an OHC chapter. I'm sure they could provide parts or point one in the right direction. I actually miss my OHC engine. It made a lot of power for a 250. The light weight let the Firebird handle like a champ.
I found a 2 b. in my storage of parts, #7028062, I believe it was off a 68, maybe a 350. ? Linkages r frozen. It’s still mounted to the intake. If any interest . Near Madison Wi.
Nice work, I prefer manuals. Isn't that a '67 console? It takes the chrome and black insert. The '68 and '69 were the full length wood grain with the oval shifter hole. I don't think they interchange.
