318 running like crap

The plug gap sounds OK and the plugs are probably OK but without a real part number from you, who knows?

Can you post pix? If so, please post a pix of the ballast resistor. This may have something to do with the sluggish running at start and other issues.

Please answer the question on whether your distributor has points or is a later electronic ignition type. The later type will have 2 wires and a connector off of the distributor. The early points type that came on your car has just 1 wire off of the distributor. We can't help much without you giving clear and complete answers to questions like this.