My EA82 non-turbo pings on acceleration and while at cruising speeds. I have timed it back to 6 degrees. Added octane boost. Unplugged EGR. If I give it gas while it pings (cruising) it will go away.

 

Its almost like it is getting to much vacuum.

When you say Unplugged the EGR i'm assuming that you mean you cleaned out the EGR valve. Did you also clean out the tube as well? Also check to see if your EGR solenoid is working.

yeah I am confused about the EGR too. EGR should reduce cyl. temp and therefore pinging too.

 

try 5deg. my 85 gl would not take any more than 5 deg of advance.

 

seafoam carbon cleaner may be helpfull too.

try pulling back to STOCK timing (?? BTDC) remember to unplug the vacuum advance!

Exhaust leaks can sound like pinging.... just thought I would toss that out there. Doesn't sound like that's your problem tho, since it goes away if you lay into the gas. Generally and exhaust leak will get louder when you do that.

 

GD