Cutting out and overheating S3 v8!

Hey people, some advice is required please.
I have a 1978 S3 88' with a rrc v8 in it on carbs. It started cutting out and dying on me, only happened 2-3 times and sometimes it would cut out completely then another time it lost all power but didn't cut out. After about 10 seconds it would come back to life and power would be there again. When it cut out completely I just switched it off and started it again and it was fine! I had to started to backfire occasionally, shooting a four foot flame out of the exhaust one time! Then last week on the motorway it popped the radiator and overheated a little. I'm hoping it hasn't done any head damage. I'm in the process of replacing the radiator, once that's done will have to see how it runs. Any thoughts on the cutting out?
Thanks

If points and condenser-change them make sure vac and centrifugal advance working.
Fuel filter

Ignition module on electronic ignition notorious

Carb setup

The heads are known to tip and outer bolts removed on later rv8-beginning of head gasket

You have got to go through all of the basic checks. Plugs/points/timing etc. Then look for inlet /vacuum leaks. It could be coil or condenser breaking down or maybe a fuel issue if the fuel lines are close to a source of heat and vaporising the fuel. A mornings thorough work checking and cleaning should give you some ideas.

There is a section on v8 engines you could try posting in there?