My '67 died unexpectedly with an exhaust backfire and now it will not start. I suspect this is ignition related is bad but I need to do the analysis and then make a diagnosis.

Will I be able to check for spark with a remote starter with the key out of the ignition or will it have to be in the ignition and in the run position? I have heard that leaving the key in "run" without the car running can burn the points in a very short time so I want to avoid that.

Thanks!

No - the key has to be in the run position for there to be spark. Just don't walk away and leave the key on and you'll be fine...