Started 5.2 magnum swap/65 Dodge Dart,/6 4spd convert..but....

it is easy to unplug the VR and the alternator field and that will totally unload the circuit powering the ECU IF YOU think it is causing problem, I would think not personally. In start position the 12 volts is applied directly to the coil as shown in the above diagram but you should have this lead powered from the starter relay....the 8 approx. volts on the coil is normal run voltage as it is dropped across the resistor and to be honest with you should start be enough to provide fire when the field collapses....I would suspect and ask you to first determine if your hall effect pickup in the distributor is good. I have found that in majority of non fire this to be the culprit preventing and it is inexpensive and easy to replace and I always recommend a spare in the car along with the spare resistor...Most resistors are damaged by water when hot and it is raining and the hood opens washing it was water...they cannot withstand the shock of instant cooling. Often one can tap the distributor housing and this shock will allow the pickup to work but that is only a manner to test....not always 100% reactive...