If it has headers on it, remove the exhaust at the collector and see how it responds. The exhaust is KILLING the engine and NOTHING you do with the distributor will fix that. As long as you continue on the current path, accept the rotten performance you've observed.
That engine with a good tune, decent carb and exhaust will make 420hp EASY!!!
What you mean gold? Its normal to have black plugs when cruising around with low rpm with big camshaft. When cheking plugs after highspeed higway ride then they propably are looking more brown.
Tests have shown that timing comes in too quick and engine doest want it that way. Sure it helps low rpm performance if tuned right.
