A coil is a simple beast. You have a low tension and a high tension side - the resistance of these windings are usually specified in the work shop manual. Traditionally these things are oil filled and ideally there shouldn't be continuity between the low and high tension sides...
There are several "helpful" videos on youtube such as this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8vSwfnX3Xc
(Didn't actually watch this one just found a link for you - if it is gobbeldy gook move on to the next one)
As for mounting - hmmm - I'd stick with the original one for the sake of convenient HT lead length
A coil should be much like an operating system - you shouldn't notice it - I get the feeling you're having other trouble