I figured there was a trick to that connector, but I didn't want to snap something. Couldn't find any info on it online.

I never considered just putting my own computer inside the box, I like that idea. I guess I assumed it couldn't be opened in a non-destructive way. I'll have to get it indoors on the bench and see how to disassemble it. Worst case I think with it out of the car, there's just no boost and no idle-up on startup. Maybe no tach?

I drove the car home with no boost (vacuum lines had snapped) and was keeping up at the speed limit so that wouldn't be a big deal while working on it.

I thought that the one valuable function it has left is translating the ring gear signal to the tach signal for the dash. Not sure what that sensor is, if it's just 5v Hall effect, or if it's a coil type that requires amplification. Definitely I could manage idle speed control myself as well.