Help with compression
 

Hi guys by the end of the week i will be buying a 302 short block. I can either get a mild setup or a high performance setup with a more aggresive cam, .030 over high compression pistons. My question is, would i have to use higher octane fuel for the engine or could i get AWAY with regular gas? By getaway with i mean only hurt the power and that is it.(none of the components.) I am gonna use cast iron heads with bigger valves too.

RE: Help with compression
 

with higher compression, you need to run higher octane fuel. the more compression there is, the more heat there is, which in turn tend to ignite the air/fuel mixture sooner than it would regularly which gives you "knock" or "preignition". which is BAD in ANY ENGINE.

RE: Help with compression
 

Could i just adjust the timing?

RE: Help with compression
 

possibly, but may not be enough to keep it from knocking.

RE: Help with compression
 

Oh well premium is not that much more.

RE: Help with compression
 

YEAH, ok. its "only" $2.65 here. but, better than $3+....