The plugs are a tan color. I changed the plugs and it didnt really seem to make a difference though. I changed to a distributor that doesnt need the computer or ballast resistor, new plug wires and new coil... they didnt really help. As far as timing I have had it just about everywhere you can put it. Ive not adjusted the mechanical advance or the vacuum advance on this new distributor yet. I can adjust it by ear and it will sound great and run great for a while. Then suddenly it wont idle good and is back to even less power. I did get a hesitation on take off when I changed cams and adjusting the pump shot does not help so Im sure the carb does need some tuning for this cam. But still the thing just has no power and its driving me crazy. I really do not know what else to do.