I purchased an 1981 that was completely disassembled. I have the manual and it's great for guiding me through a stock rebuild.
My ignition wiring doesn't look like it's original, but I think it's it's all there except the coil.
Does anyone have this Chapman part and condenser? (This is my first Z, and I'm not an electrical guy)

 

I think that the Chapman unit is part of an old security system. That would explain why there are so many strange splices under the hood.
Next is to follow the manual and see if I can get it back to stock.
OR, does anyone recommend an ignition upgrade for the 1981 280zx?

 

You can do the prw-2 ignition control upgrade with same year igniter. You can source both of them on ebay for about 40$ and are a great upgrade. This is what I currently have in my 82 280zx turbo.

 

I don't have the little condenser on the side of the coil. Is that necessary? Also, I don't have the Resistor shown in the FSM, #32. That piece didn't come with the car.
Does anybody have a picture of what the resistor looks like? It's between the the clutch and the computer.