YES. I think alot of old cars overheat because their owners won't check the timing or don't set it correctly. When its too retarded more of the bore is exposed to more flame front, and you get more heat transfer into the coolant.

Vacuum advance helps too. With stock type timing curves removing the vacuum advance will often cause them to run hot.

Now I need to pin those needles, got to feel that heat
Hear my motor screamin while I'm tearin up the street