Why do you need to change to a different spark controller with the ZZ4 Camaro conversion?

I was looking over the parts list and noticed a few new parts. The ones that got my attention were the spark controller, PROM chip, Knock Sensor, etc.

Why is the 305 to 350 such a big thing to need all the new parts?

Here's the link to the parts list:

http://members.aol.com/EMattG3/HO350.html

 

An engine block resonates at a certain frequency when struck violently, kind of like a bell. Depending on the shape and size of the bell it will "ring" at a certain frequency. Similar thing goes on with different sized/shaped engine blocks. The knock sensor and the knock module (which is integral with the computer on 3rd gens, I believe, although it's definitely a separate gizmo on LT-1 and LS-1 cars) are "tuned" to look for these specific frequencies to determine if knock is going on in that particular engine. That's the theory in broad terms.

That being said, I've heard from many on this board who are still running the original 305 K.S. and computer and it seems to be working fine even after a 350 swap.

 

I wonder if there is anything to gain by buying the CHIP from the ZZ4 conversion and using it with my 383 or the new 350?


Guesses?

 

AFAIK, there were 2 types of KS being used. With the earlier one, the KS goes to a ESC and then to the ECM. With the later one, the ESC is within either the ECM or the EPROM.