R107 Ignition Coil Wiring...Problem??

Hi, fellas and gals! Daisy is our 1979 450SL. In checking over things under the bonnet yesterday, I noted that there's a ballast resistor in the + wire to the coil. My car has the OEM breakerless ignition. I know that the ballast in the positive coil line was there to reduce excess sparking at the points, helping them to last longer and reduce pitting.

Something tells me that this ballast shouldn't be there. I'm certain that the ballast is dropping the voltage to the coil by at least 3-5 volts, confirmed by my checking either side with my DVM.

I want maximum voltage to the coil to ensure a hot spark. Any suggestions as to removing this ballast?

Thanks!

Sandy Gerli
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