< it pings lightly on WOT up a rather steep hill.>


Which means you are in pretty good time....
There are many car that don't run as well setting by spec b/c they are worn and don't have the compression , valve timing, etc. they once did...so there is absolutely nothing wrong with timing under load on the hill climb trick.
It is the engine talking to you instead of a book. And every engine is different, along with the petro the owner is accustomed to using........
Very Good........

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A Dalton