problems with our project

in our TC project, we have solved the issue which is how to control the distributor. we came up with the idear to use a DC speed motor to simulate the engine revolution. however, how to simulator the engine vacuum will be a real big problem. i did some researches which like using a Ford vucuum pump used in diesel engine. and aslo we can use a hand-operated vacuum pump in which we can exactly control the vacuum produced in the petrol engine. the other problem is that Tony thinks we can use a hammer to simulate the engine knock event. but as far as i know, the engine knock sensor actually only works in a specific frequency. so it won't pick up the unrelated noise. and in fact i saw some one failed to simulate the engine knock event by hit the engine with a hammer.