I/S ECM on a Tourer.... Benefits???

[Tropic traveler]

Who has done the Interstate ECM swap to a Tourer. If I try it what can I expect beneficial or any problems?

[SANDMAN5]

I'd love to have one on my Std. Main benefit is quicker power.
I/S weighs a little more so it takes a little more to get it moving.
I don't believe there is MORE power, just a slightly different powerband.
Top end and mpg are virtually unaffected......if I remember correctly.
Been awhile since I researched it so I might be a little off.

[Thunderbolt]

I haven't done it but seems that I remember that since the Interstate was heavier, they built in 2 degrees of advance, that is why they made 4 degree timing wheels for the Interstate instead of 6 degree for the Standard and Tourer.  Just a little more Zoom quicker maybe. 

[Tx Bohemian]

I've done it on my standard.

The PO had a 6* TW on the bike when I bought it.
There was a noticible difference in the acceleration and no change in mileage when the I/S ECM was installed.  I'd still got around 34mpg.

However I changed the TW back to standard to fix a cold weather start problem and now  I seem to have a stumble or "tip in" hesitation.  And  my mileage dropped dramatically!!  I get about 26-27 mpg.

I'm going to file the keyway on the stock TW hoping to get 4* advance and hopefully increase the mileage.

But as far as the ECM, as I said, there was an increase in acceleration.
According to the gearheads here having a E/S ECM and 6* TW is too much advance.  It could lead to engine damage.

[John Schmidt]

Eddie, I installed the I/S ICM some years back, along with a 4 deg. T/W. Using it with a 6 deg. T/W gives too much advance. As I recall, Terry is correct in that it has something like an extra 2 deg. which I think kicks out around 4500rpm....going by memory on that but sticks in my alleged mind. My mileage will stay in the mid 30's generally, often more if I behave. No cold weather starting problems, I also have #38 slow jets and I/S carb springs. The latter gives a quicker throttle response. Since my bike is now decked out similar to an I/S, the difference isn't as noticeable. But prior to adding the fairing and pods...yes, I did notice a difference in performance. And, I generally got around 37-38 mpg.

[Tundra]

Just install a 6 degree trigger wheel? I had several Dyna ignitions, both had problems. Dyna gave me my money back. I installed the 6 degree trigger wheel and have never looked back
 (thats why you all can't catch me)

[Patrick]

The factory ICMs are good reliable units. The IS version has a different advance curve which has built in more [couple degrees]  advance thru out the mid RPM range. This is kinda nice because these engines don't like much base or top end advance.

[98valk]

see advance curves here. its not 2 degrees of advance
http://timskelton.com/valkyrie/tech/trigger_wheel_plus_dyna3000.htm

www.factorypro.com    recommends a 4 degree TW and no more with any valkyrie.
 The 6 degree TW idea is from the GL1500 Goldwing which has 0 degrees of advance at idle whereas the valkyrie has 3.5 degrees at idle.

[JC]

I've done it and am pleased with the result. Got lucky and scored an ICM off of ebay for $75, but doubt you'll find one that cheap now.

The first and least expensive 'power' mod on my 97 Tourer was putting interstate springs in the carbs, which gave it a quicker throttle. I followed it with the interstate ICM, which made a noticeable difference in the low end and boosted the MPG a by at least a couple miles. Haven't tried the trigger wheel, but I do know a 4° wheel is as far as an interstate should go, which is essentially what I've got now.

Still thinking about doing the ECT mod, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

I also just replaced a set of progressive 440 shocks that blew out prematurely with a used set from an interstate that has me wondering why I wasted so much on the Progressives in the first place.

[R J]

On those shocks that blew out.

Call Progressive, be nice to who ever answers.

State your problem, no more, and they will ask you what you want them to do.

Tell them you want a new set of shocks and ask if they want the old ones back.  If they say "YES", ask for a return shipment tag.    Let them pay shipping in and out.

It worked for me on a set that was given to me.     They never did ask where I bought them or when I bought them.

BUT BE NICE, DON'T GO  RUNNING YOUR MOUTH, AS THEY WILL HANG UP ON YA.     THEY DON'T LIKE BEING YELLED & CUSSED AT.

[TJ]

Just install a 6 degree trigger wheel? I had several Dyna ignitions, both had problems. Dyna gave me my money back. I installed the 6 degree trigger wheel and have never looked back
 (thats why you all can't catch me)

You ride like a little girl Eddie...... 

[rocketray]

I put a 6 degree wheel on with and  an advanced map with a dyna 3000......at first it was AWESOME....the bottom end was spinning the rear tire thru first like a top fuelie    but above 6500 it wouldnt pull so good........a trip to see mom at  less than triple digit speeds had me running out of gas in 60 miles....way too much advance at higher rpm's i deduced but never did hear a ping      the motor seems to have survived it  ok.......no smoke and runs great   stock the motor at top rpm has all the advance it can take looking thru the archives   but down low it can take quite a bit of advance

[Tropic traveler]

Just install a 6 degree trigger wheel? I had several Dyna ignitions, both had problems. Dyna gave me my money back. I installed the 6 degree trigger wheel and have never looked back
 (thats why you all can't catch me)

You ride like a little girl Eddie...... 

You hush up now Chumley!!!

[Tropic traveler]

Well I have an I/S ECM on the way & I can either put it on my 115,000 mile '97 which already has the I/S springs, shimmed needles, K&N, & glasspacks or my 58,000 mile '99 which has glasspack exhaust only.
Since I put the glasspack exhaust on the '99 the butt dyno says it is the equal to the '97 in power. I just have some reservations about hopping up the higher mile '97 anymore.

BTW the butt dyno says the '97 & '99 will easily outrun the wife's Cobra equipped '98. 

Whichever Valk gets the I/S ECM, it's old one will be in the saddlebag on long trips.   

[JC]

On those shocks that blew out.

Call Progressive, be nice to who ever answers.

State your problem, no more, and they will ask you what you want them to do.

Tell them you want a new set of shocks and ask if they want the old ones back.  If they say "YES", ask for a return shipment tag.    Let them pay shipping in and out.

It worked for me on a set that was given to me.     They never did ask where I bought them or when I bought them.

BUT BE NICE, DON'T GO  RUNNING YOUR MOUTH, AS THEY WILL HANG UP ON YA.     THEY DON'T LIKE BEING YELLED & CUSSED AT.

Thanks RJ, I'll give it a most diplomatic try!

[Gental Gaint]

I've done it and am pleased with the result. Got lucky and scored an ICM off of ebay for $75, but doubt you'll find one that cheap now.


Still thinking about doing the ECT mod, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

I just got one off of Ebay for 75.00 bucks... there still out there at that price...

[98valk]

I've done it and am pleased with the result. Got lucky and scored an ICM off of ebay for $75, but doubt you'll find one that cheap now.


Still thinking about doing the ECT mod, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

I just got one off of Ebay for 75.00 bucks... there still out there at that price...

great price if it was an I/S ICM with the wide recess area on the one side.