I've had what has been described as a spark knock in my 70' SBC 350. I ticking sound only when accelerating, that increases with RPM's. It does not seem to be a deep hard knock from the lower half of the engine. No ticking at idle or at idle with throttle increase. Seems to be coming from the right side of the engine as far as I could tell. Because, I only hear it when accelerating under load. I've recently changed the oil and filter using Valvoline 5w20 Restore and Protect. And new plugs, NGK 6945 UR45 V-power. I've also used ethanol free fuel. I've had this car since November 25' , so still learning its quirks. I checked the initial timing and, if I'm doing it right, it says its at 18-20 degrees advanced. And total was at 34. When I have tried to retard the initial, I cant get past 14 then the car starts bucking quite a bit. Vacuum is 12-13 hg.
Tried driving the new degrees and it quieted ever so slightly. I fell like if I continue to retard the timing more, I could get it to stop, but the car just doesn't like anything below 14degrees initial. I'm relearning engines all over again, and you tube is helpful, but, it can also be overwhelming with everyone's opinions and their way of doing things, its all over the map. I do not want to have to take it to shop and run the risk of getting ripped off. Any ideas out there of what I could do next?