Ballast resistor question

Hello all and Merry Christmas. I need some help. Today I went out and changed my 4 wire ignition ballast and discovered that someone has run a wire across the lower terminals. I have had this car for 3 years and never noticed this. Well now the car only starts but does not run. I think I am losing power to the coil in run mode. I looked at a diagram and it looks like one wire comes from the alt. I did do a orange box and distributor conversion. That has been on there for some time. I did not change the ballast to the two wire one provided in the kit. I have had no problems until I removed the wire. Can some one possibly tell me what I should be seeing at the ballast as far as voltage. I also would like to know what the advantages are of running a two wire ballast. A general description of this ignition system would be very helpful. I know its alot but there is someone out there who has been there and done that. Thanks to all whom can help.