[shorthand]

So, for us D series people, if we advance the timing, how far can we go on normal 87 octance, and how far on 92? How much additional benefit do we gain?

Should I just stay within factory specs, but advance as far as possible under those specs or should I push it a bit further? Recommendations?

What is the downside of advancing the timing?

 

[shorthand]

All the way? What's all the way?

This sounds like the Princess Bride - "He's just MOSTLY dead. Mostly dead, I can fix. ALL dead, the best you can do is search his pockets for change."

Do you mean the 2 deg + mark on the crankshaft?

 

[shorthand]

but i decided to put it back to normal and now my car seems alot slower than when it was advanced........

should i keep it stock or run advanced ghetto timing?
what signs og detonation can i look for or should i look for??

If you're just playing with spark timing, unless you're pinging (and you'll hear that) you aren't going to hurt anything.

Pinging is a knocking sound from your engine. Basically, the fuel burns before the cylinder reaches TDC and is forced backwards. It can handle the force every once in a while (say once a week) but will kill an engine if its happening regularly. You should also feel the engine hesitate when this happens.

The decrease in performance perception is probably just psychological. You've gotten used to having more pull. Its always easier to notice performance downgrades than upgrades.