How nice would high octane gas be?

[Killer6]

Building an engine that requires higher octane than what's available from the pump is totally unnecessary nowadays. WIth the great flowing heads that are available along with good intakes, and other smart parts choices make a high octane street motor kinda stupid, really. Save it for the race track. Even then, there are a LOT of pump gas race motors out there. Using race gas where it's not needed can even cost power.

That is 100% correct, and the above referenced Olds is a '64 Cutlass 'vert that is running over 110mph w/ 8.98:1 squeeze, and the problem is that is fine if You've got
a package built around a NA engine. If, however, You're like Me & like turbo cars.......better octane is highly desirable & beneficial. More squeeze has many benefits for
torque and idle/driveability, but there are more for new vehicle engineers when it is easier to use the cam timing/phasing/splits to control & "bleed" so to speak excess
pressure, then try to "find it" when it's just not there. Emissions & economy-wise coast-down/idle/transitions can be much better with higher squeeze & more compact
chambers, overall power wouldn't change much, unless again..You're boosted. Hyundai has 2 soon to be 3 Auto & 2 SUV models Turbocharged, of course the Ecoboost
Fords, etc. + a number of supercharged cars out there. Turbos are amazingly good at power & efficiency combined, and the modern technology has made them even
more amazing at what they do, I'm sure if they are suggesting they would like more octane.....they have a good reason..............but for most of us old iron cruisers,
largely un-needed. Of course if You insist on driving Your factory race package car & it's 12.5:1 pistons................well then there You go!!