I've been informed that the LDK/LHU manifold sits 1" higher than the LNF manifold and I swapped it into my car thinking it would work fine (I didn't learn about the 1" difference until after). I'm seeing lots of knock retard that's not really going away.
So I'm seeing if anyone else is having these issues. It's been a while since I swapped the engine, been through several tune revisions, and still the problem persists. I've got solid front and rear trans mounts, and I have tried my best to mash what I can in the firewall area around the downpipe and still no luck. retorqued mounts to spec too. still nothing.

I'm really not trying to swap on an LNF manifold. If someone has the two manifolds next to each other that'd be cool too. I haven't tried hitting around the oil line at the firewall (top side of the turbo) but that can be next I guess.