I wouldn't bother with your timing then.

 

The problem is actually firing too long before TDC (stock cars usually run around 15* BTDC at idle.) That's what causes the excessive cylinder pressure and the problems you go on to describe.

On a side note, it's usually the rods that let go first. Kinda reminds me of a D15 rod I saw a few weeks ago, it was bent like a bananna. :eek3: