My 1 and 4 spark plugs came out looking normal with a black ring and a tan center. My 2 and 3 plugs came out with a black ring and brown/black centers.

I'm confused as to why 2 and 3 would be different then 1 and 4?

Also confused as to why they appear to be "paired"

 

 

interested to see the answer! gl!

 

It seems that the discolored ones are running slightly richer. Coil A runs cylinders 1 and 4 and coil B runs cylinders 2 and 3. Do a compression test and post your finding.

 

Try swapping the coils and running another set of spark plugs, if the compression checks out good. Then you can tell of you just need a new coil

 

This. Either those two cylinders are running lower compression and you need to do some block work, or the coil is going bad and needs replaced.

 

What are those plugs gapped at? It's hard to tell from the pics, but they almost look like they have little/no gap at all.

 

Well I found out I was having some connection issues with the coilpacks, and my compression numbers read 150 130 130 150. The motor is out to get it redone, but I dont think that 20psi low would make that huge of a difference on the plugs, and mainly believe it to be from the coilpack issues. The resistance was HUGE and intermittent until I cleaned up and reseated all connections.

 

Do you have a VIII or IX, by looking at the plugs I assume you have an VIII. Compression numbers are usually around 160, 150 is fine but 130 is definitely a problem.