thanks guys,
i hooked up the manifold heater and i cant say for sure if that was what did it but this thing is running better than it has as long as i can remember. i also cleaned the carb real good and adjusted the mixture while i was there so the combination has done wonders.
as for schools i have bounced around, after hs i went to the US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, decided to come home, finishing a year at Community college and hopefully transfering to the University of Texas. look forward to asking you all tons of questions when i mess stuff up.