spark question, can't remember fix

The ignition problem i had is this. SO SUCKED.
put engine in. ran fine. did compression check. installed new plugs. timed it. it quits. cools. starts, quits... doesn't start. Guess the battery was low from starting and bumping. Followed a short to ground. SO the voltage regulator fried. shorted to ground, fried the ECM, coil and that's that... Damm !

Not sure if grounding the - side of the coil had anything to do with this. just an old regulator.
Runs sweet now, C300