The car makes this tapping noise while driving and gradually overheats. When accelerating the tapping is louder. It still taps while idling. I am thinking maybe the ignition timing is wrong but I don't have a timing light. The thermostat was just replaced. I checked the oil and it's normal level, very clean. So is it probably detonating from the wrong ignition timing?

Also, would a ZC DOHC engine with automatic transmission mount in this car? This engine is carburetted and that is very strange to me.

 

if you think its the timing loosen the distibitor plug off the vacume addvance then start the car turn it in ether way till the noise gose away hope it dose. but to let you know never use seafoam for a honda some pepole use it for runability problems and nosie but i promise it will blow the number one piston rod

 

The ZC will go in pretty easily.
Look at the D16 integra swap as a guide.
jack

 

mmmmm sounds like an exhaust leak at the manifold or a rod bearing