Yes, he did replace the fuel filter. I have not personally checked timing. As for RPM, it does it only as you hit the upper 70's-80 mph mark. You can drop it in forth get the RPM's up and still does it at the upper 70's-80 mph mark. He had the head rebuilt and Im sure the shop he took it to set timimg. (Car was doing this before it had the head rebuilt.) BUT I'll double check timing.