Phantom Knock?

[DSMboostin15]

I'm having trouble trying to figure out my knock issue during light acceleration.

My '91 TSI AWD is basically stock (stock MAF-unhacked with silencer removed, stock boost-BCS resrictor removed, stock injectors) except for an AFPR, 255 pump, and DSMlink run through my '90 ECU. Link is set up for stock settings (450s, 1g timing, etc) and I have new plugs gapped to 0.028".

I'm experiencing really bad knock during mild acceleration - say from a stop light and I can't figure out if it's knock or phantom knock. Link shows that I'm at 22% throttle with low IDCs - I'm not even in boost. I've done countless BLTs, but the only ones I've had were small vacuum lines that are now fixed.

I don't have my wideband installed yet - still attached to my GST, so I don't know my exact AFR, but isn't the stock map designed to run rich (9-10:1)?

I'm thinking that my cat could be clogged causing high EGTs but have yet to tear it off and inspect it.

I have verifed that timing is still at 5* and base fuel pressure is at 37psi.

Any insight as to what could be going on would be appreciated.

[gofer]

Reach under your IM and find the knock sensor, make sure its torqued to 17 ft. lbs and it doesn't look like its burnt. If its tight and looks good then take this info on board and see if this fixes the knock your picking up on link.
The 1g ECU has a lot of ignition advance compared to a 2g ECU, the good news is you can make adjustments in your Timing Sliders tab.
RPM / Adj
1000 / 0
1500 / 0
2000 / -3
2500 / -3
3000 / -4
3500 / -5
4000 / -11
4500 / -9
5000 / -8
5500 / -9
6000 / -9
6500 / -4
7000 / -3
7500 / -3
8000 / -3

or you can download the stock 2g DA tables here DSM-2G-stock.eda and upload JUST the timing tables to your ECU.

If knock still doesn't disappear I've heard of some running a plastic washer between the block on the knock sensor to get rid of it.