Jeep Strokers

I just installed and started my stroker. At first the timing was a little off. We adjusted it (without timing light) and started it again. It seemed to run fine, so I started the 20 min cam break in, and 3 min into it the manifold was glowing red hot, so I shut it down.

Could it be? :
-Timing: Could incorrect timing cause this?
-Vacuum Problems: I have not connected the air box, just running off the throttle body
-Fuel Octane? I am just running the gas that it has in it already, 87 octane

Has anyone experienced this, or could any of the above have caused it? Thanks

Here are some specs on my engine:

4.6 Stroker
4.2 rods
4.2 Crank
stock 4.0 Pistons (.030 over)dished to 20cc
CompCams 68-115-4
New lifters
Stock head (not rebuilt)
24lbs used ford injectors

My Static Compresion ratio is calculated around 9.1:1 and dynamic is around 8.3:1

From what i have read over the past few years and speaking with Hesco before i purchased some of my parts this seems to be a normal thing that happens, particularly with the shorter stock manifolds.

I'm sure others on here will chime in and give you some solid information to rely on based off of their break in experiences.

This can be caused by lean AFR or incorrect timing. I see no other reason why would it run that hot. Vacuum shoudn't have anything to do with it, unless we are speaking about manifold gasket leak. But that would increase the temperature only in one cylinder.

During cam break in it is normal for the exhaust manifold to glow. Also, you can't adjust the timing on a 4.0L, it is controlled by the computer. What you probably did is incorrectly install the distributor, which I would go back through,

Really awfully normal for break in. As was said above, you need to recheck your dizzy indexing now.
John

X2 on Engine running hotter at break-in due to parts wearing in, as well as double checking the cam position sensor under the distributor. Make that x3.

How would I correctly install the distributor? The ear is broken off, So i just tried to align it the #1 wire at top dead center.