Wiring up an E-curve distributor

Sounds like you have it hooked up the accessory output of the ignition switch now. When you crank it the ign switch cuts power to the accessories to give more power to the coil for starting.

Hook it up to the side of the ballast resistor that has a full 12+ all the time. One side only has power when the ign switch is in crank mode. That's not the one you want. You could even tie the 2 wires together coming off the ballast resistor and hook it up there. That way you know for sure it'll have full power any time the ignition switch is on or in crank mode