I learned a little about detonation after ruining the pistons in my engine. As has already been said, static compression ratio and octane are only parts of the equation. You also have to look at timing advance, air and engine temperature, and how hard you're running the engine (e.g., will you be taking it on the track?). After my rebuild, I went one step below the automated knock detection system described above. Because sidepipes made it impossible for me to hear detonation, I installed a
MSD Knock Alert system that gives a visual and audible warning in case of detonation. I then adjusted distributor timing to where I thought it should be and went for a ride. It didn't allow me to optimize the timing constantly as would the automated system, but it did give me confidence that I wasn't experiencing detonation under ususal conditions.