The resistor is just to keep the points form burning out and if your coil says use an external resistor you need to do just that or you will get a lot of experience on changing points. Check the starter draw after making sure that all connections are good and clean. A dragging starter will sap all the voltage away from the ignition system and make an engine hard to start. An other way is to hook up a separete battery (fully charged)to your coil ro rather through the resistor and see if the car starts easier. If so the starter is more than likely drawing too much and needs rebuilding or rebrushed.
