you do know that some of your problem is 50 year old iron heads but i think you said your against aluminum for some reason. i dont know what cam your running but you have to watch your overlap . if your going to buy another cam , buy something w/more lobe seperation. if your going to just cruise the streets you dont want to ruin your engine w/ detonation. get a spring kit for your dist and follow the directions you will be surprised. you can miss match different colored springs to rid yourself of detonation. the head gaskets mentioned are a quality product but as you probably know are expensive. summit has a cam for pontiac that has a part # SUM2800. if you want to really get down to it talk to comp and order a hyd roller you wont be sorry. good luck HTHOM