Anyone here ever have their pistons machined?

The 2 points of additional octane surely helps.
We're not that different. My compression is close to 11.0 to one. I had timing limited to 30/31 degrees. You have quench and a huge cam. Those two factors along with 2 more points of octane seem to work for you. Thanks for posting your specs. That stuff helps shine a light where I was lacking.
Don at FBO ignition told me that the way I had my timing set, it was limiting the power. He felt that the slight loss of power from reducing the compression will be MORE than offset by the HP gains of running more timing.
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Sledge:
I appreciate the info on the intake closing. I have heard much about how moving it around has a huge impact on cylinder pressure and detonation.