The ESC system didn't work very well and was a pain to keep running. I know my dad had a 305 with it. If you want a better ignition convert to the duraspark 2 system, it's electronic and the ICMs are cheap.

 

Thanks, did the spark control module fail regularly?

 

I don't remember with the ESC (gm) system. But I do know that using wells boxes (autozone) on the ford DS2 they'd last about a year. HIgher quality ones lasted 2 to 3 yrs, but then again we put over 70k on the thing too, in about 7 years.

 

Cheapo modules are what gave a lot of the DS ignition systems a bad name. I tried some that only lasted 6 months. Use the Motorcraft modules and mount them 1/4" off the fender with standoffs for air circulation. The stores charge big $$$ for the Motorcraft units but there are lots of them in the scrapyards that are perfectly good. Just look for the Motorcraft name.

Any luck on identifying a good knock sensor and the associated electronics??

 

From everthing I have read about knock sensors, they are resonant to the bore diameter. GM's 350 sensor should work on the 335 series, as both share a 4" bore, but this would need to be experimentally verified. I am lacking a recording O-scope to do the testing. If the sensor indeed works, an appropriate circuit could be designed fairly cheap (I think) that would at least trigger a knock indicator lamp, as a tuning aid.

Any suggestions on where/how to mount it?

 

Like I said above:
"MSD makes an Engine Knock Alert (PN 8964) but not a controller."
Jegs # 121-8964 @ $159 -WOW!!

MSD also makes a replacement for the DuraSpark module with a timing adjustment ****, too bad it is not automatic:
Jegs # 121-8778 @ $172 -WOW again!!!

http://www.jegs.com