Does a knock sensor need to connect directly to the engine block?
Reason I ask is that on one side of the block (VR 5.7 stroker engine), the sensor fouls the dipstick tube (HQ sump), and on the other side it fouls the starter motor.
I was wondering if I could screw a 45 deg spacer into the block, to clear either the starter or dipstick, and then screw the knock sensor into the spacer.

Not sure about VN's Byron, but the HSV VR V8's are definitely on the drivers side.
The bracket that holds the starter motor to the block, doesn't leave enough clearance for the knock sensor to screw in on the passenger side of the block......spent half the day swapping sides for a mounting position, and pulling the starter motor off just to be sure.
Drivers side would be ideal, but as the engine is in an HQ, and using that sump, the dipstick is right in front of the bung the knock sensor screws into. I relocated the dipstick to the passengers side, but would prefer it on the drivers side as there is more room to fit the tube between the headers.
Bought a 45 degree brass elbow fitting and screwed the knock sensor in. I'm guessing that as a knock sensor is basically a stethoscope, and it is in very close proximity to its original position, there shouldn't be any issues.