The ballast resistor with computer was a lean burn thing. 81 and newer is electronic spark control or fuel control which is like the next generation. At least you're in Canada so you don't have a feedback carberator to deal with but you might still end up having to change the carb.

It's pretty straight forward to change. With a stock distributor I've always had base timing set around 14.

If you follow the wiring diagram RapidRobert mentioned you do nee to hook up the yellow shown at the ballast resistor only it might not be a yellow wire on your car. You need to use a check light or volt meter and figure out what wire it really is. I think it goes to the spot on the starter relay that says something like BAL or BALLAST. I've always used the 3rd wiring diagram on that page.