Base timing. Really ?

I am really confused..I do remember when i built this engine and using the stock distributor untouched, it would ping like crazy at high RPM and remember people over on moparts telling me that i would have to limit the slots to around 34 degrees because thats about all it could stand with that cam. So i JB welded the slots and installed the light spring and had to do a trial and error with a file to get the slots right. I ended up with 18 initial and 34 total and she didnt ping so i left it like that for years. This is with the factory mopar ECU. Then i did the GM module upgrade and at the same time, installed the FBO limiter plate and knocked out the JB weld from the slots. I never ran the vacuum advance. You guys are telling me to get rid of the limiter plate but when it goes beyond 34 degrees it pings like crazy. I am just confused.