Jerry, I agree with you and don't hotrod or modify any of my vehicles to any significant degree. I generally believe the designers knew best.
However, today's fuel isn't the same as it was 70 years ago. Sometimes what worked then can be a hindrance today.
I was forced to block the exhaust crossover passages on my Toronado intake manifold because it heated up the carburetor base so much I was experiencing vapor lock.
