67 GTS 4-Speed: Daily Summer Driver

I FINALLY got the new push rods in. I measured everything up and put them in their respective areas. Upon first start up it was stumbling and backfiring, needless to say I was a little more than pissed. It wasnt until I looked under the hood that I saw the front of the carb was soaked in gas, loose fuel inlet connection. After tightening that and an oil change I started it up again and at idle and reving I didnt hear anything...

However, I took it out on the road and I did hear something that sounded like a "rattle". Before there was loud "bangs" I heard and a friend said it sounded like a back fire (which started me on this whole push rod thing), which the push rods were too long for what I have. I have not heard that same sound on the test drive. however, I do not know if I measured it properly and I need a different length? What I do know is I need someone more knowledge than me to be around when the car drives off or rides with me to give me some ideas. this "rattle" sounds like it could be coming from directly under the car? It does have either a lifter tick, or an exhaust leak, but that is not the sound I am hearing...

other than that the engine gets hot and stays hot, which I am attributing that too it needing to be broken in. I did do that cam break in procedure awhile ago, but I would be surprised if I have over a 100 miles on the engine.