ECT mod + I/S ICM = too much timing?

[dago mooserider]

Hey guys,

Been talkin bout gettin an Interstate ICM for my standard on another thread and was wondering if just doing the ECT mod would be the best way to go. I don't want a trigger wheel because of the high rpm power loss. I've read through a lot of old posts and it seems some have had issues with ICM and ECT mod together. Makes sense to me  as 10 degrees + 2 more from the ICM seems like an awful lot of timing advance. Although others say their bike's run great with both. I don't mind running premium so that's not an issue. Opinions welcome.

[John U.]

I agree with those who say that 10 degrees is too much with an I/S ICM. I have two Valks with an I/S ICM and both have the ECT mod and both run great.
The solution is to install a potentiometer (pot) when doing the ECT mod. There are instructions available for that install.
I think the pot is a good idea anyway since you might not be able to get high test gas. I run the pot a bit less than half way on and use midgrade. The bikes both run much stronger and get better gas mileage, unless I enjoy myself too much.

[Momz]

The ECT Mod and I/S ICM (along with the I/S carb springs) will have a noticable "Kick in the Pants".

But I have to disagree with John U.

My 2K I/S has a 4 degree TW and it runs just fine on any octane gas available, except with an ethananol blend.

MY 98 Standard has the simple ECT Mod and the I/S ICM and carb springs. I always run regular gasoline and have never had a problem. I will not use E85 for the same reasons as above.

The simple ECT Mod is quite effective if you use a resistor with no more than 5% of the rated value (2% is better) and both the resister and diode should be rated for at least 2 Amps. The leads are stronger and easier to solder if you clean them first with a bit of Scotchbrite. If you need a Potentiometer, then you're using really bad gas or your resistor/potentiometer are of questionable rating.

The only reason that I am so positive about my opinions is that I spent 20 years in the automotive testing  industry building and converting test instrumentation. I swear by the K.I.S.S. principle (keep it simple stupid). 

[Airetime]

The ECT Mod and I/S ICM (along with the I/S carb springs) will have a noticable "Kick in the Pants".

But I have to disagree with John U.

My 2K I/S has a 4 degree TW and it runs just fine on any octane gas available, except with an ethananol blend.

MY 98 Standard has the simple ECT Mod and the I/S ICM and carb springs. I always run regular gasoline and have never had a problem. I will not use E85 for the same reasons as above.

The simple ECT Mod is quite effective if you use a resistor with no more than 5% of the rated value (2% is better) and both the resister and diode should be rated for at least 2 Amps. The leads are stronger and easier to solder if you clean them first with a bit of Scotchbrite. If you need a Potentiometer, then you're using really bad gas or your resistor/potentiometer are of questionable rating.

The only reason that I am so positive about my opinions is that I spent 20 years in the automotive testing  industry building and converting test instrumentation. I swear by the K.I.S.S. principle (keep it simple stupid). 

Unfotunately the corn act of 2007 madates ethanol in our fuel so unless someone in the big house gets some brains it is here to stay. I fought it down to the last gas station up here in Washington state. In 2011 it gets real interesting as the mix will go up to 15%, try running that crap in our vehicles. The stuff attracts moisture like a high powered magnet. If you haven't looked at buying some Seafoam or Stabil, better save your pennies as the fuel will go bad in a matter of months (imho) I am re-thinking the pot on mine, I crave the days of unmolested fossil fuel 

[TearlessTom]

I've done the ECT, IS carb springs, and IS ICM. Pull hard and smooth all the way through. I think people get into trouble when they put the 6degree TW in the mix rather than the 4 or the ECT.mod.

I couldn't be happier with how mine performs.

Tom

[fudgie]

ECT mod-no pot-and I/S carbs springs is what I run. Pulls hard. I use whatever gas I can get. Usually 85.

[Challenger]

ECT mod-no pot-and I/S carbs springs is what I run. Pulls hard. I use whatever gas I can get. Usually 85.

85 octane, Now that's funny right there Fudgie.

[fudgie]

ECT mod-no pot-and I/S carbs springs is what I run. Pulls hard. I use whatever gas I can get. Usually 85.

85 octane, Now that's funny right there Fudgie.

I sat here and thought what was funny. Then I think I meant 87. Do they still have 85? Havent bought gas for the bike since October. 

[Challenger]

Yea, they still have it states that have elevations above 4-5000 feet. I used it when we were in Co. and worked great. Just don't see it here in the flat lands.

[Farther]

I ran across 85 in some stations in Montana the last two trips across.