John,
A internally resisted coil doesn't use a ballast resistor. I must not understand your statement. Unless the coil were switched, you couldn't shut the rig off. In your case, if you can start it with the key, and shut if off with the key, it's a done deal.
If the distributor moves, timing changes. When the vacuum advance unit is working properly, the distributor housing is as solid as the internal spring in the vacuum can..the distributor won't wiggle.
Stuart
