Glad you made your trip, I really wish I could take a 302 for a spin just compare the powerband.Thats weird about the 505 being less detonation resistant. All else equal, a smaller bore should exibit more detonation resistance. Every chart I have ever seen says that higher coolant temp, larger bore, lower fuel octane will be less detonation resistant than lower coolant temps, smaller bores and higher octane gasolines. I have no experience of my own that compares the 2 bore sizes. I am interested in doing a short stroke engine, the L99 crank is interesting. Take care.