I cant seem to pinpoint when i first started to remember hearing it, but i'm pretty sure it's after i replaced a failed fuel injector and spark plug

I'm pretty sure it's detonation. Kind of sounds like a diesel when it happens. It happens at low rpms what i imagine is peak torque, highest compression, only under load, and mostly happens during the transition from light to medium acceleration,

I tried retarding the ignition but that barely helps.
switching from 87 to 93 seems to help quite it down a bit.

I've got an aftermarket temp gauge on the car, and it happens pretty much at all temps, slightly worse at full temp with 87 gas.
I dont think it's an overheating issue

this is actually a low mileage s13 ka motor

at this point i just need to stop or lession the detonation until spring when i can take the car off the road and dig into it deeper.
i think i'm just gonna try and go full retard - i meant as far as it will go. and maybe try disconnecting the knock sensor to see if maybe that makes it never try to advance timing at all.

i've tried new plugs, cap and rotor too. i dont think it might be wires, but i could try that maybe?