Jim, you're wrong. Read the links that Vikki posted. More octane does not mean more power. You go and test it on the dyno like I have and then tell me what you find. Rocket scientists don't go by "feel". They use objective data.

I build engines for various different racing classes, and use 93 octane, C12 or C14 on the dyno according to the class rules. Too much timing gives you less power. If you cover up the problem with extra octane instead of fixing the problem, you lose power with more octane. Tuning the engine properly means more power. Building the engine to use less timing makes more power. The lazier the engine (wants more spark advance), the more negative work (early spark = early build in cylinder pressure = pressure against the piston as it is still rising in the bore) has to be overcome before it starts making power.

I don't insinuate. I state. I run my wife's van engine (10:1) on 87 octane. I've done that with most of my personal engines for quite a while.

He wants his engine to run properly. It doesn't ping at the bottom or the top, therefore the middle of the rpm range has too much timing.