RE: OFFICIAL Redcat Racing TRUCK thread
the os a3 is too hot of a plug for a big block, your better off with an a5 or #8. You can use the a3 for break in but i would swap it out when your done breaking it in.
sounds like its running too rich, take the plug out, put it upside down and pull a few times to get rid of the excess fuel then put the plug back in an lean the needles a 1/4 turn each (clockwise), see if this helps you out then tune it from there
am is the cheapest, you can get a futaba setup for less than $50 with transmitter, reciever and 2 servos or you can go to fm for a few $ more or spektrum for $150-250 depending on which on you want, the $50 futaba is loads better than the stock setup, it the 2pl.