Ailing engine (Updated after teardown)

https://www.scegaskets.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ICS-TITAN-INSTALLATION-INSTRUCTIONS.pdf
Integral O-Ringed Copper Head Gaskets

https://www.scegaskets.com/wp-conte...ER-HEAD-GASKETS-INSTALLATION-INSTRUCTIONS.pdf
For the ultimate seal and protection from head lift or aggressive total timing applications, O-Ring the heads and cut Receiver Grooves in the block.

With that said, 31* of Total Timing is a lot for 9PSI of Roots boost.
I started out at 28 degrees. I slowly upped 1 degree at a time to the 31 degrees. I even drove it trying to get a ping out of it and never did. The engine just seems happiest at 31 degrees. I even upped the boost to 12 lbs once and got on it for a couple of short bursts. The only thing that did was break a balancer and timing cover. Sure was fun on those 2 bursts though. lol That was a few years ago now and maybe that was the start of the gaskets migrating. Who knows? I know I don't.

Jack