[BLSTIC]

I'm not talking a refresher type build. I'm talking about bringing compression up to (say) 13:1 to get more efficiency, and then using higher grade fuel (or water injection) to compensate for increased knock tendency.

Or making an atkinson cycle engine (higher geometric compression ratio, with cam timing altered to reduce cylinder filling and pumping losses, allowing the engine to work on lower octane fuel).

Personally, i think B16A Vtec engine with higher compression pistons, custom cams (to provide said atkinson cycle), turbo, and water injection (to restore lost torque from wierd cam timing) would be able to power most any FWD vehicle at a decent rate while providing higher efficiency.

I realise that a set of high compression pistons, water injection, and re-programming engine management may run to a high cost, but surely SOMEONE has done it while retaining a cam profile that at least considers economy.