Need a Mopar guru: 273 part-throttle ping driving me crazy!

it's probably an exhaust leak at the manifold.

i seriously doubt that 4 gallons of 100 octane added to 10 gallons of 91 put on a car with stock compression ratio was really fixing anything. just sayin

i'm speakin from experience about exhaust leaks. i would bet that is your ping you are noticing. maybe some lifter noise along with.

all new seals and gaskets. Engine was clean when taken apart. Only removed top end of engine and oil pan.

probably wasnt high end gaskets i'm betting.

get a set of percy's exhaust gaskets.

http://www.taylorvertex.com/gaskets/seal-4-good/header-flange/index.cgi/productListing?id=300779

i'd also recommend setting the valve lash. if he put stamped rockers (non adjustable) then skip that step.