hi m8 yes ur car is running rich, would also explain foor fuel consumption (if its not ur tank)
yes i found when i set timing according to book it ran horribly,
dave if its backfiring its because theres too much unburnt fuel, warm car up first, retard timing slightly just by ear so engine isnt bumping around and sounds sweet, and reduce the throttle adjustment screw so it doesnt tick over so fast.
i hope someone else can also offer some advice,
regards
Chris