Sounds like you need to advance the spark timing. Easy fix.

Well I'm on the gulf coast of Mississippi , still less than 1600 miles , what engine do you have so we can help you find a good fix for it ,

My first thought was they did not bypass the ballast resister and it is not getting full 12 volts to the unit. But what do I know I am in the North West/

OK, if a after a aftermarket system was installed on you 2.3 the car has to be a 1974 , it was the first year of the 2.3 and the last year for points , quick fix just to get it running is to put the points back in , a long term fix would be to convert it over to the later electronic system , (75 up pinto )  or ford ranger 84 to 88 , 2.0/2.3 engines that have the carb, then at least you can always walk into a parts store and buy the part you need , but is you have fire and the engine runs you may have a fuel problem , Filter full of trash , pump , etc , need to find a old been around shop to fix it , younger guys do not have a clue on how this old stuff works , good luck