Just because a coil is for a 12volt system it does not mean that it is design to operate on 12 volts continously. The step down resistor is put there to reduce the operating voltage to the manufactures specification, there by extending the life of the coil.As John has suggested-- Adding a wire( Factory on most cars) that allows straight system voltage to the coil will help increase the spark for starting and will not damage the coil since it is only momentary. The "Condenser" is the part that keeps the points from burning by absorbing the EMF ( arc) voltage. It stores this voltage until the points close again and it releases the stored voltage to help the coil saturation.
If a person is have trouble with points burning then the condenser may be considered defective and needs to be replaced. If replacing the condenser with the specified condneser does not correct the problem, then the condenser should be replaced with a condenser with a higher MFD rating. A good parts man can give you these ratings. Although in the old days several different ones of different values were stocked, you may be able to order them if you are buying brand names like Delco,Standard/blue streak,Mallory.I think the stock 6 banger condenser is about 6MFD and the one I use is for a V8 chevy motor and is rated 9MFD.Using a larger capacity condenser will extend the point life of drasticly. Paul
