Late update...
After a discussion with the brilliant Moderator Turdle, the problem with the stock engine was diagnosed correctly.
Turns out the engine noise was just a ping caused by being starved for fuel under load. After giving it a look thru real close, I found the fuel pump relay to be burned up. I replaced it with a used one I had, and the issue vanished.
So a tune up of new plugs n wires, oil change, and cleaning of some sensors, and it was purring away again.
Now a couple thousand mile later, and the used relay decided to burn up. Something is making it hot, but not sure what it is. I sprayed some contact cleaner in the connection ports, but that is all I can think of to do with it.
A new lifetime relay was installed, so if it happens again, at least I know I can get another free.
Oh....and Pugly got a new set of winter wipers today too.
