One point of reference:
My latest build is about 9.4 static compression, 3.935 bore, forged shallow dish pistons, Comp 252 cam, about .030 inch squish clearance, 87 octane no ethanol. I've played with the ignition initial lead and mechanical advance enough to know that it is close to spark knock. I wish I could add 2-4 more degrees initial but I can't without knocking.
The change I would like to make is a larger camshaft like a Comp 260 or similar. More duration will bleed off some cylinder pressure at low speed where I get the knock. I could run higher octane fuel but I like running 87. Again, just one reference point. Draw from it what you will.
