Engine is basically stock. The CR is calculated to be at 9.1 CR. To be honest I haven't touched the timing since we set everything when the engine was first fired and broke in. Using a dial back timing light with the initial set at 14 degrees and the Firecore settings internally we have approximately 36 to 38 coming in at 1900. The vac advance is connected to the vacuum port on the carb. Timing is probably the first culprit I need to tackle.
Down here in the SW the water is super hard. In fact it's almost corrosive to aluminum. That requires the use of distilled water if you want your aluminum water pump to survive. Right now it has good clean Washington State water 50/50 antifreeze.
As far as Wetter Water goes it's a give or take in terms of using it.
As far as the fan goes I'll have to take some measurements to insure it's compatible with my shroud.
As far as fuel, I'm using pump premium. I'm finding that the fuel down here in Arizona is pretty good.