First of all I guess I should explain the hardware I have:

'78 small block, .030 over, mild street cam, otherwise pretty stock.
'86 TPI setup.
'87 700r4 transmission

Planned but not yet bought:
730 ECM
Electronic Speedo

I've changed the distributor to the "small" external coil version and I'm aware of the knock sensor issue. I should mention at this point I have no wiring at all and plan to make my own harness.
Mapping the ECM I'm happy with, the question I have relate to the VSS sensor.. the one in the trans at the moment is the 2k version (top one in this pic: http://chevythunder.com/speed_sensors.jpg ).. Can the 730 ECM accept this signal (by modifying values in the bin file) ? I've seen talk of a bit to flip for a magnetic vss signal - is this what I'd need to change ? I don't want to just disable the VSS sensor because I want the torque converter lock up working as per factory and from what I read the VSS is quite an important signal for other ecm functions..

If the 730 can't accept a 2k signal can I buy the 4k sensor and just bolt it in to the trans or do I need to change the internals of the trans ?
The speedo will more than likely be a dakota unit which from what I understand will take either a 2 or 4k signal, so I'm ok on that score right ?

Finally the rear end and tyre size data will be no where near a sotck 3rd gen, so to get the speedo accurate it seems I can alter the signal again using something like tunercat ?

I plan on disabling the EGR (Im in the UK and will have no emissions problems..). The engine wears a pair of block huggers, the rest of the exhaust I will fabricate, does anyone have any tips on plaement of the oxgen (or lambda) sensor ?

Thanks for any help..

 

The sensor you shown, as I recall is rather expensive. Using a 4x inline VSS would be cheaper. Cabs as well as other appls had them, along with some FWD cars (they're mounted on the firewall).

Place the sensor near one of the collectors, so it's prettty close to the engine. It needs LOTS of heat to operate properly.

 

The sensor shown ( and I think you are right it is expensive ) I already have.. if I don't need to replace it with a 4k pulse version it saves me cash..