Woodsy Woodsy Woodsy you have drank the potion that is the high octane debate
When you coming back up to the lake so we can blast around!!
Lower octane fuels definetely burn faster, causing the retarding of timing to prevent knocking. However, if you run say a 330 motor you are MUCH better off running lower octane fuel and bringing the timing up as much as you can for the max power. If you raise compresion then you need to also as some point raise your octane rating to slow down the burn. As you raise preasure in the cylinder you have to slow the burn or you get.... detonation.
This is a nice artical that kind of explains it.
http://www.factorypro.com/tech_tunin..._vs_power.html
I have a few more if you would like. Get up to Maine and lets run the boats!!!! I am sick of working on my roof!!!