[Jeff Higgins]

Snake oil for the most part. If your engine does not detonate with your current fuel, there is nothing to be gained. Just like any four stroke, octane requirements are dictated by compression ratio. More octane with too low of a compression ratio does nothing, and may even overheat and lose power. Kind of like running the timing too retarded.

Easy tricks for two strokes start with tuned pipes. If you don't have one, the addition of one will add significant power; probably the biggest "bang for your buck". You do have to pick the right one, just like headers or other exhaust modifications on four strokes. The engine manufacturer probably has some recomendations.

Another easy mechanical change is in the height of the exhaust port. Higher port, more top end power; lower port, more low end power. It's tough to lower the port without welding, as you must lower both the top and bottom. Combined with lowering the peak power, most folks won't ever do that. Raising the port only takes a die grinder and some experience; the top is raised, but the botton stays put. There's probably some dirt bike tuners that can do this for you pretty cheap.

A reed valve induction motor can pick up some power with different reeds. If you have a common motor, the same guy that can grind your exhaust port can probably supply some reeds. If it is a rotary induction, with a timed port through the crank. the same guy can alter that crank port pretty easily as well. The motocross guys have this stuff pretty well figured out. Find a shop that supports them, and you might get some cheap power with just a few proven mods.