A method for preventing or reducing engine knock or pre-ignition in a high compression spark ignition engine lubricated with a lubricating oil by introducing to a combustion chamber of the engine from 0.1 to 5% by volume of the gasoline used a lubricating oil as a formulated oil, said formulated oil having a composition comprising (i) a major amount of a lubricating oil base stock comprising at least 80% by weight of one branched ester having at least 15% of the total carbons in the form of methyl groups, and (ii) a minor amount of at least one ashless amine phosphate antiwear additive. Also provided is a lubricating engine oil for high compression spark ignition engines including (i) a major amount of a lubricating oil base stock comprising at least 80% by weight formula I below: esterified (per —OH basis) with 25 to 100% isobutyric acid and 0 to 75% 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid, wherein R is a H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, or isobutyl, and (ii) a minor amount of at least one amine phosphate ashless antiwear additive.