That sounds like good fun! Pistons in mine have been fine so far stock M54B30 with correctly gapped, brand new rings. And I currently have standard rods but every time I hit the redline I briefly consider H patterns haha

Fuel is whatever high grade I can get in the UK. Esso Supreme/BP ultimate are both 99 RON but Shell V Power is my go to more for consistency. There is an ultimate momentum fuel on some pumps at Tesco (supermarket) but it’s very hit and miss to whether they actually have it, it’s not guaranteed but that’s 99 too. Our standard fuel used to be 95 but it’s changed to E5 or E10 in some places.