..i have heard octane boosters don't work.
..i met a guy who swears adding kleenflo octane booster does indeed make a difference and prevents his hi comp engine from detonating...
..anyone else?

They work. But they often don't give more than 1/2 point raise to the octane when used as directed.

all that stuff does is change the molecule structure of the gas..
it slows the combustion process down.
this prevents detonation..
better fuel, less timing or less compression will do the same thing.