pinging?

It sounds like a high pitched metallic noise to me. Most compare it to marbles rattling in a glass jar.

If you hear that, back the timing down a smidge at a time till it goes away. Since you dont have a timing light, be sure to make your adjustment, but then hold the dizzy cap (safely if you are doing this with the car running. You can/should make this adjustment with the car off since you are not using a timing light). But hold the dizzy while you tighten the hold-down bolt, as the final tightening can turn the dizzy a couple degrees (this can make you nuts real fast. :D ).

Good luck.
 
Yep, read that (if referencing Jrichker's article). Not sure I would be trying that one myself.

Good luck and post back how it works for you. :nice: