Is there a reference that you know of to find the autoignition temp of 92 AKI gasoline?
Call the fuel mfg.
I have scoured the web and found nada. From your initial post, it sounds like I should be safe in that department. Yes?
Yes, depending on the inlet air temp.
I may have misquoted Larry and his remarks regarding the use of DCR to determine the relative safety of using pump gas. I think he was referring to cylinder pressure as it relates to VE: better VE = more air/fuel trapped into the cylinder = higher cylinder pressure & possible preignition even though the DCR/TCR remains constant. Does that sound more accurate?
Again, VE refers to trapped air mass. DCR (worthless) and TCR (worthwhile) do remain constant. But the conditions at IVC do not. A better flowing head would result in a higher pressure at IVC thus resulting in a higher compression pressure. An increase in chamber air density will result in higher combustion temperatures which would have an effect on detonation but not pre-ignition.
Were your calculations (based on my stated engine metrics) made with an assumption that the engine is operating at 100% VE and air density at sea level?
As a starting point I use 14.7 psi and 100F. VE is not considered because of the measurement difficulties.
How would bolting-on a set of heads that are capable of flowing more air/fuel change the results of the calculations? Or would they?
Little or no change.
Overall, it sounds like you believe that my combination should be safe with 92 pump gas. Yes?
It might be safe for short bursts of full throttle, not for sustained high load applications. Pump gas should be avoided whenever serious driving is expected.
Do you think that a knock sensor & timing retard may be necessary or helpful in this application?
A properly selected and fitted knock sensor is always helpful, especially when using pump gas; not so much with race gas.