no time to read the entire post, but 160 is way to low the engine has to reach 212 degrees F to evaporate all of the water and other crap in the engine, i have a 180 in mine and it will run at 175 -190 smoothely, its the same year but a 350, and about the other thing, why not change the timing 2 degreese, its free and it doesnt take long.