<< > What model car is this? I had the same experience with a '94 Civic
> (D16Z6 engine, SOHC VTEC). Never a pinging problem until after replacing
> the timing belt. Workaround was to use higher octane gas or retard the
> timing a tad (late side of factory spec) >>


1994 Accord EX, SOHC VTEC. Didn't get it to the shop this morning (been home
sick) but will take it by tomorrow. Right after I got it back (timing belt,
water pump, alternator belt) I took it by because the alternator belt was
raising hell. He told me to bring it in for anything else I want adjusted,
so I'm going to take him up on it. (Alternator belt finally got seated and
shut up.)
I thought about the gas. It's pretty empty right now, so maybe I'll put some
higher octane in it. This wouldn't compound matters if my timing's off,
would it?