You guys are confusing him with facts, instead of old wives tales......
The old power timing by ear where you run the engine up to 3 grand and set the timing to the point where it sounds the best. That works great until the pistons start hammering and the rings break, and get pinched in the lands. I've seen it done on an oval track engine that was junk within 15 laps...………………….
Octane booster is a crutch for something that is not correct in the initial spec of the whole sum of parts. A mismatch of parts will lead to a situation such as needing octane booster in copious amounts, just to be able to drive a car on the street. Anyone willing to place a bet as to the condition of the rod bearings in an engine that detonates in street driving? How about a leakdown test, I'd bet it shows faulty ring seal due to detonation.
A set of craftsman tools doesn't make you a mechanic, or able to tune engines. Age is also not an indicator of intelligence.