Can too conservative timing cause knock?
 

I'm waiting for my new turbo and manifold but currently I'm running a gt35r with .82 hot side on an rx7store manifold with tial 44 wastegate recirculated. The car feels like its being held back. I'm running 20 lbs of boost but at 6 degrees timing with 15 degree split. I have gotten a few knock readings in the 70s in a few cells and that was what led me to lower the total timing so much. I think the timing is too conservative and that combined with the small A/R housing is leading to high EGTs and causing knock. I'm gonna go back to the 15 at 15 at peak torque and only pull 1 degree of timing per pound of boost. And also maybe run 12 degrees split. The motor is stock reman from Mazda.

My new manifold has EGT bungs and I already have a TC-4 with sensors waiting. Do you guys think such conservative timing can lead to knock or just lower power?

No knock. Too little timing will increase EGTs.

That is what Mazda did with cold starting to heat up the cats quicker. They reduced timing 15 degrees. It can be seen on Settings 4 page. You can watch it with the commander.