Let's take a look at a motor that has is designed to run, and produce maximum HP, on gasoline rated at 87 octane. Its ignition timing is X degrees BTDC at 6000 RPM so as to produce peak HP at 6000 RPM.
If slower burning gasoline rated at 91 octane is used, would that result in less HP being produced at 6000 RPM? My thinking is that it might given that the location of peak pressure is now occurring later than it would when faster burning 87 octane is used. Less peak pressure at a later point in the power stroke.
Your thoughts?