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S&S® INTELLIGENT SPARK TECHNOLOGY (IST)IGNITION SYSTEM WITH GUARDIAN DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMThe S&S Intelligent Spark Technology (IST) ignitionsystem has been available for several years now. Whenit was first introduced, there was some talk about "Didwe really need another ignition system, especially one onthe high end?" Well, after a few years, many skeptical highperformance engine builders and riders have been convincedthat the IST ignition is the only way to light a fire!The S&S Intelligent Spark Technology ECU module (55-1221) automatically adjustsignition timing. When detonation is detected by the exclusive knock sensor, theECU retards the ignition timing to prevent engine damage. When detonation is notpresent, ignition timing is advanced for maximum power and economy.FACT!S&S produces some of the biggest, baddest, high performance v-twinengines in the world. But until we introduced the IST ignition, theydepended on someone else's ignition system to make them run andto keep them alive! The S&S IST is the first ignition system for v-twinengines to actively protect the engine from the destructive effects ofknock, sometimes called detonation. Detonation or knock is violentuncontrolled combustion that can destroy engine components withintense heat and mechanical stress. Fuel quality, cylinder pressure,combustion chamber temperature, combustion chamber design,and ignition timing are the major factors that contribute to knock.By adjusting ignition timing, knocking can usually be eliminated. Thisis fortunate since ignition timing is the only factor that can be easilycontrolled, and control of ignition timing is what the Intelligent SparkTechnology ignition system is all about.The S&S Intelligent Spark Technology ignition system won the 2002 Ehlert’sPowersports Business Magazine editor’s pick award at the Powersports Expo inIndianapolis, Indiana. The IST Ignition has been upgraded to make it compatiblewith 2004-'06 motorcycles.HOW DOES THE S&S SYSTEM WORK?The heart of the Intelligent Spark Technology system is asophisticated computerized ECU module that integratesdata from sensors that other ignition systems simply are notdesigned to use. The ECU then uses that data in a way thatis unique in v-twin engine management. The IST modulemonitors the crank position sensor, cam position sensor ifpresent, MAP sensor, cylinder head temperature sensor, andan exclusive knock sensor that actually detects detonationor knock while the engine runs. The knock sensor allows theECU to automatically adjust ignition timing to eliminate knockwhenever it occurs.In addition, the system "remembers" the conditions that causethe engine to knock and automatically adjusts ignition timingto prevent it when those conditions reoccur. On the otherhand, when conditions allow for increased ignition timing,the system will advance timing as far as possible withoutcausing the engine to knock. In effect, the system "learns"the ignition requirements of a particular engine and writes acustom ignition map for it. That’s why we call it "intelligent".This custom ignition map results in optimized power andfuel economy, as well as reduced emissions, but perhaps,more importantly it protects your engine from damagingdetonation or knock.If ignition requirements change, if a lower grade of fuel isintroduced, for example, the system will automatically makethe necessary ignition timing changes to avoid detonation andpossible engine damage. This feature is particularly importantin touring applications where the rider sometimes has lesscontrol over fuel quality. If a different camshaft is installed, orif cylinder head modifications are made, the S&S IntelligentSpark Technology ignition system will automatically optimizethe ignition timing for the new configuration. Even if majorengine modifications are made, such as the installation of astroker or big bore kit, the system will adjust to the ignitionrequirements of the new configuration.18 IST Ignition SystemEmail us at sscust@sscycle.com