Greyish white is a lean burn, perfect is a tanish color, black being rich and sooty to boot.

The fouling of the plug last year may be a fluke, the backfire is another lean condition symptom. When did it backfire, under what throttle load and temp of motor? Are you noticing any oil usage? If so, how much in how long of a period. Not to worry, your car is not a daily driver, so after sitting for a spell oil will settle and fuel will drain into the oil after your last shut off. My point is that it only takes a little while for stuff to reseat and reseal, minor oil on the plugs is normal, espesially for a street rod. What your seeing on your plugs is residue from the fuel acting as a solvent on the prieviously burned fuel/oil mix in the combustion chamber, being forced out around the threads.-Brant

Ken, running an Edelbrock Performer 600 (1406) with electric choke. Start up varies, some days there are no problems. Usually on start up after sitting for several days. Never backfired before, when it did engine had been run several hours before. Usually after starting and warm up, no problems on later restarts.

Brant, dry heaves may have been bad term. More like a dry cough with a hiccup. Hard to describe. Noise usually only happens when starting after sitting for one or more days. Occurs when turning the ignition key to start and then stopping when it doesn't start. Sounds as if the engine is going to catch, but doesn't. Almost like an internal backlash. Sometimes you got to spin the starter several times for the motor to catch, other times one tap of the key starts it. I thought it might be that the timing is just not right, or the electric fuel pump ain't delivering as it should. But once started, it runs good and later starts are usually without problem. Shortly after the backfire occurred, I tried to start it and it fired right up, no problem, even seemed to run smoother than usual.

Fouled plug appeared to be wet deposits but actually deposits were dry and baked on. Had to clean them with a metal nail file. Electrode gap was bridged so plug couldn't fire. Haven't had the same problem since I changed back to the original plugs. My guess was that problem was between the plug and the usage. Long trip, hiway speeds, maybe not the right temp plug for the occasion. Plugs were supposed to be equivalent of the Champion RJ12C's that were in it when I got it. Might still have one around. When I got the RJ12C plugs, the guy at NAPA thought they were for a lawn mover. ;-) Maybe I should put the 350 on my garden tractor, and get something else for the 34.

It almost sounds like two separate issues. Yes, the back fire can be caused by a lean condition, but you said it came as you were turning the key off. Sounds like a ignition/ electrical problem along with a lean carb to boot. I've had trouble with the edelbrock, the symptoms you describe about hard to start first thing and easy after warmup is typical. Also sometimes they will vary fuel metering from one extreme to the other. I've had them apart and tuned and flowed put back on the car. They'll run fine for awhile and then all of the sudden stalling and backfiring and then flooding out.

I am more curious about the ignition, what are you running for and ignition system? Check to see that you are getting full volts at the coil when cranking. I had one today that had a bad ignition switch.-Brant

Brant - backfire occurred on start, not shut down. And I agree, I think it is two seperate issues. Ignition is standard GM HEI with coil on top. Will check distributor and coil for problems. Might consider replacing the carb with something else, but have always had good luck with Edelbrock.

Carpro - will clean carb and refresh the air filters. Air filter unit has twin filter K& N, permanent filters.

Bigdude - have tried different breeds of standard plugs, but the Champion rj12c has been the best. I know it is not a modern plug, but car runs will with it. Haven't had any fouling problems since changing back to the rj12c. But, I will check to see if I can get something in copper or platinum to match size ,style and heat range. Most part places near me haven't got a clue when it comes to plugs, might have to go to a speed center for correct parts.

Fitzwell - planning on it. Have reservations in Hammond. Got to be in New Orleans the following week for a meeting, so I plan to start at the Coonass. Don't know yet if I will be in the street rod or not. In any case I plan to attend. I'll send you my cell phone number, be a pleasure to meet you.

Ahotrod33 - you got a sign?? What for?? Did you see your self in the York pictures? Can't miss that hat. Accidently got one of my bride in there, I hope she don't see it otherwise I will be in deep doo-doo.

Big THANKS to everyone for the help and comments. Got a lot to do on the car now. Got a couple more questions about a new intake manifold but will save that for when I return from vacation.