engine trouble

[beardy2]

ok i was having a problem a while back before i left for fair with my headers getting cherry red really fast and everyone thought that it was the timing so i timed to car to the 8 obove the zero i cant think what to call it. but anyway it is still getting to hot really fast and now the engine smokes a little so should i time it down to the 4 above zero or what should i do the lower number i set it to the slower the engine idles to. i just cant think of what else to do other than go get heat tape for the hearders and wrap it thick around the headers. can anyone help me with this problem.
thank you

[Phantom409]

What is your car idleing at??
Right around 750-800 is a good idle RPM after she warms up.

If you are running a carb I would say your air bleeds and fuel mixture are messed up.
If your plugs are white with ash then you are too lean and you need to get more fuel into that motor or you will have a moltin bed of Alum.

[lozanoa11]

8 befor top dead center should be good. for 87 octane. you shouldent have to retard it any more or it will probaly run like crap. i would be looking at your carb. see if its running too lean. witch it sounds like. take it to a older mechanic if you don't know what your doing. your just gunna set header wrap on fire if you put it on.

[beardy2]

fixed it i gave it new plug wires and retimed it reved the heck out of it and then retimed it and she is workin good.

[lozanoa11]

glad to hear you got it working good!

[beardy2]

well further progress was made yesterday i now have the clutch in and am working on putting in the 5 speed