What are the advantages to a high compression conversion of my aircraft’s engine?

Reader Jeffrey A. Hughes asks our engines expert: What is the advantage to doing a high compression conversion to a Lycoming O-320 (from 150 hp to 160 hp)? I suppose the obvious answer is 10 more horsepower, but my natural inclination, given...

What are the advantages to a high compression conversion of my aircraft’s engine?
Reader Jeffrey A. Hughes asks our engines expert: What is the advantage to doing a high compression conversion to a Lycoming O-320 (from 150 hp to 160 hp)? I suppose the obvious answer is 10 more horsepower, but my natural inclination, given the name “high compression,” would be improved fuel economy. Are there other advantages?