The regulator will likely fix the hard start.

Are you sure those are the factory spec plugs, not just what the counter guy told you would work? If not you are asking for trouble. Also when you did the change did you do one plug at a time?. If not you could have misplaced a coil pack. The one by the brake booster is different that the other 5. If you get this one in the wrong place you will have firing problems.