The impossible to solve overheating problem

Does the timing not affect the O2 in the exhaust at all? I.e rich/lean?
Anyway, I adjusted the advance and retard to pretty extreme in either direction just to see that my timing mark wasnt off or something but it made no difference so I set the timing to where the engine runs best. The carb is adjusted correctly with respect to rich lean.
The car came with an engine driven fan without a shrowd which I have tried since this problem started again yes. Thing is both set ups have worked old and new.

Maybe, but saying the timing is rich or lean is using incorrect terminology and will lead to even further confusion. The carburetor is what controls rich and lean, not the distributor, so lets get that right so we won't be struggling to understand you and can help you a little easier.