Performance difference between 87 and 91 octane tune?

[Shark Racer]

I'm planning on building an ESP(SCCA autocross class) legal car and will be doing the associated legal modifications: CAI, headers, exhaust.

Of course, to reap the benefits of these I'll need a tune.

Has anyone experienced with the max potential of an 87 octane tune vs 91? I can see potentially squeezing some more ignition timing out of a 91 tune, but if the car was designed for 87 (static compression, combustion temp, fuel evaporation patterns), I don't see much benefit.

Of course, the real world blows away the theoretical, so I was wondering if anyone has some empirical evidence for me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ct07gt]

A tune on these cars is one of the most cost effective mods that you can do. I don't think an extra 30 hp is out of reach with some of the better tuners. Brenspeed and Bamachips are two that get used a lot. I am sure NastyStang will be here any time now to recommend Justin at VMP tuning as well. The throttle response will be improved a lot as well.