octane boosters?

It was starting to be used in the mid 70's when the gasoline had less anti-knock qualities as it did in the 60's but the 60's and early 70's cars with the higher compression were still around. The simplest version of it had a nozzle mounted in the air cleaner lid and sprayed water into the throttle venturis.

It would not be hard to make your own setup with some patio misters and a windshield washer pump.

Chuck