I didn't have many options today when sourcing a coil ballast resistor, and this before I saw Midlife's post, and settle for an MSD 0.8 ohm unit. I installed it to get my engine/cam break-in done today and it worked flawlessly connected to the coil, and a full 12V to the pertronix ignition in the distributor.
Regarding the fuel pump, I had a squeeze bulb in the temp fuel line to prime the pump and I believe the check valve in the squeeze bulb was causing pressure issues in the pump. Also the front bowl on the carb had a piece install incorrectly by the rebuilder and was causing the float to stick in one position sometimes. I also check the Carter X for fuel pressure and it puts out about 7 psi dead headed against a pressure gauge I put on the temporary fuel line when I had the carb removed.