1985 GT with BAD ignition issue, PLEASE HELP!!!!

ok, my friend has an '85 GT, the engine has been taken out and an older engine (like '82) has been put in its place, the car USED to be fuel injected, it had a throttle body similar to a chevy, i beleive ford called it CFI, anyway the engine harnesses have been cut and a hackjob ignition system has been put in place, it has a distributor from a '68 mustang, so needless to say, it has a points and condensor setup, this car seems to be very tempermental. it runs well for a few days, and then it will spit and sputter and backfire. I have come to the conclusion that the points are burning up, i believe it is from too much voltage going to them, also the battery sizzles like its boiling.

My idea was to maybe redo the wiring and add a ballast resistor IF it needs it

I have no idea how to check the voltage regulator to see if it is good or bad, but i have got to get this car sorted out.

If ANYONE can give me any leads or wiring diagrams and advice i would GREATLY APPRECIATE IT!!!!! THANKS!!!

For wiring diagrams, try the library or autozone.com

Libraries have copy machines so making enlarged copies will be easy.

The sizzling battery is indicative of a short.