Sad to see a noob or anyone for that matter, seek professional help only to get ripped off....
The plugs pic tells me straight away the engine is too rich...way to black on the electrodes.
Overhauling a Quadrajet is always a risk...and $300 is a joke...new Edelbrock 1905 retails at $318...
I am in NC but west of Charlotte, but am more than willing to help you out via this board...
You will need the following tools...a compression test gauge, a timing light and if possible, a dwell meter.
Please remove the spark plugs and taking a compression test of each cylinder...post the results on here...
Go to your local auto parts store and purchase a new set of points and a condensor...AC Delco part # is ACDELCO D116 {#19106521}
I would also replace the distributor cap...but dont replace the cap just yet...
Post the results of the compression test here and we will get you right.
We need compression figures first to determine if there may be a blown head gasket or poor compression thru burned valves etc.
Stay cool dude...Aussie Bill
