Hey Trainman!
Just sitting here thinking about your real octane requirements.
I'm using 94 octane pump gas with a true 11:1 in a 5585 pound vehicle and a power-vampire of an automatic with a 2850 (max) stall speed converter. When racing with the existing converter, I get a lazy bog/launch but I'm still am able to rip a high 1.7 60 foot even though my truck is not setup for racing, per se, (bone stock suspension), for one.
There is enough torque produced at a low rpm (in a VERY detonation producing range) without any knock with "only" 94 octane fuel. I'm not using any octane boosters.
You are at 11.5:1 BUT with a considerably more aggressive cam profile in a lighter vehicle with a manual all in a setup for 1/4 mile racing. Unless I'm missing something with your combination, engine-to-engine, your octane requirements shouldn't be that high.
This is based on the info I think I have about your particular combination.
In comparison, my cam's a 234 @ .050 on a similar LSA to yours (115 degree) which "makes" it even more octane hungry.
Is Chris suggesting your run a 109 octane fuel?
I know the MS-109 is highly oxygenated and is supposed to provide an additional 5% in power but I'm wondering if your engine really needs that high an octane.
As you know, typically, an engine designed for regular fuel is not as efficient when using premium.
I know this analogy may be flawed but it's how my noggin rolls.
Ronnie