Starting isssues and spark knock Q's

[spudz29212MKIII]

Oh word thanks for the heads up, but I have not bought anything big. So far just oil, some spark plugs, and a few water sensors thats about all i can remember...

BUT the conclusion is in...I take back what I said yesterday, I guess i just was not able to replicate the engine noise the best from in the engine bay.
I go my girlfriend to jump in the car and hold it at around 2200-2500 rpm.

noise was very noticable, so i grabbed the old broom stick and started poking around..and it is super loud on exhaust side valve cover and louder at the front and back of the cover. (FYI i did poke around everywhere top, middle, and under engine) and CRE i put up to exhaust mani to head and heard nothing but thanks for the tip.

So loudest on exhaust valve cover. IDK much about the whole vavle set up so i need to do some reading. But is this a pretty bad noise that needs to be fixed soon, or could i just hold off until i throw my rebuilt head on?