I had my 88 NA since new. I'm on the second engine, and it has 80K on it. overheated it one time. but it cooled and ran for several thousand more miles perfectly.

now when I start it, it runs like a hit or miss engine. when it warms up it purrs. it has run rich since I put headers on it and it hates to start when it is hot after driving. I hate that I most likely need to replace the engine. it has the all the original components for engine and fuel management, with smog removed. it does not blow steam or use coolant.

I used to work on this and my 80rx but can no longer physically manage and engine swap.

any thoughts

 

Hot start?
check the thermosensor at the back of the waterpump.
You may have to spec it out or check for a bad connection.

 

80K is not worn out.

But I suspect you have multiple issues since you mention it ran poorly since the header was installed.

What do you mean by "smog removed"? What exactly was removed?