Questions on MC2150 / ECM Test bypass / HEI distributor end result

[zeebo76]

OK, so I finally got sick and tired of chasing down my sputtering issue and I want to do the big 3 common underhood improvements - MC2150, ECM Test, HEI Distributor - all together, in one batch.  I will be ordering one of GRONK’s kits (with manual choke), including the distributor upgrade.

I understand the purpose of doing all 3 for most people, including me:  Simplifying the car, and improving its driving characteristics.  That is to say - more responsiveness, more power, less clutter and complexity when working on the car under the hood in the future.

HOWEVER, while I have a good GENERAL understanding of what the process will be, I am less clear on exactly what will be removed (I want to have the 258 “backdated” to a pre-emissions configuration, and simplified to the Max in all other ways) by the end.  So, a few questions (and assumptions, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong), for clarity’s sake:

1: Will the only thing left connected vacuum-wise be vacuum advance and 4WD?

2: Will I be able to remove the ignition control module? (I have seen it mentioned a few times in conjunction with the HEI distributor upgrade when done with the ECM Test bypass)

3: I believe I still have a factory catalytic converter.  If it’s not blown out by now, will removing the pulse air injection system necessitate removing/replacing the cat? I have read that original catalytic converters required pulse air so they didn’t melt down.  (BTW:  I have had it checked out, it is not the source of my eagle sputtering on acceleration.  It is free-flowing enough). I am assuming yes.

4:  How many engine-related sensors will I still need by the end, considering I have an automatic transmission and will be using a manual choke?  (Not for long, but I will still use the automatic trans for a while before swapping an AX-15 in its place)

5:  is it theoretically possible to find a way to delete the engine control module altogether?  I want this eagle SIMPLE, and I mean it.  I am guessing that such a delete might require a manual transmission first.

Forgive any ignorance on my part, I’m not a professional mechanic...  this is a pretty daunting project for me at the moment, but once I get started I’m sure it’ll get easier.  I just need to get my head on straight first, and having the end goals be clearer will help a lot with that.