My 72 Nova with a 250 will start fine, and even runs good until it warms up. Once its warm, it idles rough, and smells...is the timing off? So far I changed plugs, rotor and Distributor cap. I am gonna replace the points this weekend, any pointers?

Is your choke comming off when its warm, just a guess.

Replace the points and adjust the timing and the throttle stop on the carb. Everything should be ok. About the smelling? What does it smell like?

my 72 nova with a 250 sixer runs really rich, im sure what youre saying is the truth about the choke being on. but how do i adjust it? is there a good website or a book? i was planning on buying the nova chiltons book today anyway. thanks.

The Chilton's will help and you can even find it at your local library, but I like the original factory service manuals better. With one of these the entire book is devoted to your model year only. Much more detail. Do a web search for auto manuals used and you should find it. For your choke problem you can get a carburetor rebuild kit at your parts store which comes with adjustment instructions. Less than $20 for your 1 barrel.

First thing in the morning - BEFORE you start the engine - back the screws holding the choke cap just enough to be able to turn the cap. pump gas pedal. Is the butterfly shut? If not release throttle and close butterfly. adjust choke cap until you have a bit of a spring load when you flip the butterfly (don't tighten down until it has the spring load of a mouse trap). Tighten screws.
If it gets the heat to the choke from the manifold ONLY it could be that there is carbon built up to keep the choke from getting warm . . .

Do 72's have cats? If so it could be clogged. Taking it off and gutting it, or replacing it with a new one.

Do 72's have cats? If so it could be clogged. Taking it off and gutting it, or replacing it with a new one.
I found out whats causing the problem...Its the darn pigtail wire from the distributor to the coil...Its being pinched or something is going on wherre it goes into the distributor. The problem is I hafta pull out the distributor replace the wire then set the timing again..