yes having erratic ignition spark control ,
could very easily be a problem, and is almost sure to cause some detonation related issues,
especially if less than ideal fuel octane or quality or coolant temps were involved
Fuel Octane or True Motor Octane at the gas pump is a Big problem I have found.
There is no way of knowing exact what your buying day to day.
Race gas is so expensive to buy as you know too but its 100% controlled True Motor octane purchased.
Methanol purchased is 100% controlled Motor octane too.
E85 is #3 but its alcohol content varies.
You must run a Wideband 02 that reads in Lamba scaling all the time to monitor check.
I really believe the Rod to Stroke ratio has a big factor with engine detonation resistance with crappy pump gas.
I have had 15,000 miles testing on the street with the 1965 Olds 425.
On a cool winter day I can run 87 octane and drive 150 miles roundtrip to work & back home.
When it warms up I need 91-93 octane.
Still has 185-190 psi cranking compression.
Been using a 160 degree T-stat for the winter.
Just enough for interior heater heat so I don't freeze.
Summer I still switch over to a Moroso water restrictor plate.
1.00 " inch hole the Red one.
Every engine is different.
Pontiac 455's are some of the most difficult to run on pump gas with a Hot Camshaft.
Pure 100 Motor Octane Race gas is best.
There is Volumetric efficiency of a given engine combo.
No one has the same as the other.
That alone throws off every single dynamic compression calculator.
Only way to estimate is to use an Engine Simulator and look at results. Such as DD2000.
TA has well over 100 % VE. Race Cammed always since 1994.
When I bought it there was a True race cam in it.
In the Pontiac TA world Feedback on parts is talked about daily.
Kinda limited in a SBC what you can do with R/S ratios.
Deck height is just low compared to Big Block Engines.
Think strategy Guidelines need to be revised.
Possible Dynamic compression lowered for SBC 383.
With race gas it does not matter.
But the Good stuff is $10-$20 bucks per gallon today.