On my '86(85 1/2) Z24, my ignition coil that fires the intake plugs quit firing. Instead of spending time and money troubleshooting why it quit, I just swapped the coil wires so that the exhaust plug coil would fire the intake side plugs and set the timing accordingly. My question is: will this cause any ill effects down the road? Thanks!

Don't see why you would need two sets of spark. You should be fine.

yeah... you don't need the exhaust coil... just replace it if it bothers you at all when you have time but really...not a big deal

The second coil is for emissions. If you're sensitive you would feel the difference in the power, but the power loss is negligible.