Have a problem with a new motor. It is a Pontiac 400 about 9.7:1 compression. Was running fine, runs like a dog now. Checked the plugs, they were covered with soot. Cleaned them and relpaced. Made no diference. The plugs have not been used for more than an hour and a half. The spark is HOT when the plug boot is pulled away from the plug. It will spark on anything grounded. Something that confused me is the timing light quits working when the vacum advance is disconnected. To get the motor to run now, the vacum advance is constantly drawing vacum.
Any suggestions on whereto start?

Willie P