Unlocking the boot would be a BCM problem, the PCM has nothing to do with that.

If the CEL on dash isn't flashing out a code 12 (no error) when you bridge diagnostic mode pins then the PCM isn't communicating over the serial bus to the dash. Very likely you have an issue with another module on the serial bus that is preventing communications from happening. This will give you a...

Fitting restrictors is definitely the way to go, that way you get to decide how much goes where instead of relying on the clearance to regulate the flow. I've read about fitting ball bearings to cams to avoid having to supply oil to them other than a bit of splash lube, but that's obviously a lot of...

VE comes directly from a lookup table with axes of MAP and RPM that you need to calibrate to match the efficiency of your motor.

I suspect faulty MLCs. The replacement ECU is a reco unit which has had a number of MLCs replaced so I think that is the likely culprit. Not uncommon for MLCs to become microphonic with age, cheap shit ones are sometimes microphonic out of the box and whistle when used in a resonant circuit or PWM ...

I guess the scan tool is listening for the bus master heartbeat message, which won't be there. It may be possible to get the VT pcm to spit out the BCM heartbeat message periodically, but this isn't how it's usually configured.

Do you have a wideband lambda setup?
We can help a lot more with some log files
I have a feeling you will need some work in the AE department with that intake setup.

In the disassembly you find the 160 baud serial handler and then find the table of parameters that it points to. Since you know which byte is tps%, ECT, MAP, rpm, spark advance etc you can find where each variable is located in ram. That will get you quite deep into the program.

Yeah you're correct it looks almost identical to a '305 (i just didn't have one on hand to check).
That chip size should be correct.

The chips even have the same designators!