With a 0.077 head shim (there are all kinds of sizes hopefully you now how big it is) reuires 93.9 octane so pump 93 with booster additve will keep you safe but its right on the edge. If you got access to some race fuel I would mix a couple gallons in and be good to go.
The strap thing is good, it ensures it wont blow off, it does happen and can be scary when it does. As long as its not in the way of anything your best off leaving it on there.
Lucky bastid let me know how you like this over your XP, I'm debating on a XP now just for the weight and see if its all its cracked up to be.
Have fun, Happy New Year!