Hey RZ350 enthusiasts! Are you looking to seriously boost the performance of your Yamaha RZ350? One of the most effective upgrades you can make is to the ignition system. In this article, we're diving deep into the IED Toomey RZ350 ignition upgrade. We'll cover everything from what it is, why it's beneficial, and how to install it. Get ready to take your RZ350 to the next level!

    Understanding the Importance of a Good Ignition System

    The ignition system is the heart of your RZ350's engine. It's responsible for creating the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture, which in turn, creates power. A weak or inefficient ignition system can lead to a whole host of problems, including reduced power, poor fuel economy, and difficulty starting. Upgrading your ignition system ensures a hotter, more consistent spark, which translates to improved performance across the board.

    Think of it this way: Your engine is like a finely tuned orchestra, and the ignition system is the conductor. If the conductor is offbeat, the whole orchestra suffers. Similarly, if your ignition system isn't up to par, your engine won't perform at its best.

    A high-quality ignition system, like the IED Toomey, optimizes the combustion process. This optimization leads to a more complete burn of the air-fuel mixture. This complete burn translates directly into more power and better throttle response. Moreover, a modern ignition system can offer features like adjustable timing curves. These curves allow you to fine-tune the engine's performance to match your riding style and the modifications you've made to your bike. Whether you're running aftermarket pipes, porting, or other performance enhancements, a good ignition system is essential to unlock the full potential of your RZ350.

    What is the IED Toomey RZ350 Ignition Upgrade?

    The IED Toomey RZ350 ignition is a popular choice among RZ350 owners looking for a significant performance boost. It's designed to replace the stock ignition system with a more modern and efficient unit. The IED Toomey system typically includes a new CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ignition) unit, a high-output ignition coil, and sometimes even a new stator. This combination of components works together to deliver a much stronger and more consistent spark than the original system.

    The CDI unit is the brains of the operation. It controls the timing and duration of the spark. The IED Toomey CDI usually features advanced timing curves that are optimized for performance. These curves can be pre-programmed or adjustable. This adjustability allows you to tailor the ignition timing to suit your specific engine modifications and riding conditions. The high-output ignition coil amplifies the voltage of the spark. This ensures a strong and reliable ignition even at high RPMs. A new stator, if included, provides a more stable and consistent power supply to the ignition system.

    Many RZ350 enthusiasts swear by the IED Toomey ignition for its reliability and performance gains. It's a relatively straightforward upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in how your bike runs. If you're serious about getting the most out of your RZ350, the IED Toomey ignition is definitely worth considering.

    Benefits of Upgrading to the IED Toomey Ignition

    So, what are the specific benefits you can expect from upgrading to the IED Toomey RZ350 ignition? Let's break it down:

    • Increased Power: This is the most noticeable benefit. The hotter, more consistent spark results in a more complete combustion of the air-fuel mixture. This leads to a significant increase in horsepower and torque.
    • Improved Throttle Response: Say goodbye to laggy throttle response. The IED Toomey ignition provides a quicker and more precise response, making your bike feel more snappy and responsive.
    • Better Fuel Economy: While it might seem counterintuitive, a more efficient ignition system can actually improve fuel economy. The more complete combustion means less unburnt fuel wasted, which translates to better mileage.
    • Easier Starting: No more struggling to start your RZ350 on cold mornings. The stronger spark ensures a quick and reliable start every time.
    • Smoother Idle: A consistent and stable spark also contributes to a smoother and more stable idle.
    • Adjustable Timing Curves: The ability to adjust the timing curves allows you to fine-tune the engine's performance to match your specific needs and modifications. This is especially beneficial if you've made other performance upgrades to your bike.

    These benefits combine to create a significantly improved riding experience. The IED Toomey ignition can transform your RZ350 from a fun bike into a truly exhilarating machine. The investment is well worth it if you're looking for a noticeable performance boost.

    Installation Guide: IED Toomey RZ350 Ignition

    Alright, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: installing the IED Toomey RZ350 ignition. While the installation process can vary slightly depending on the specific kit you purchase, here's a general overview to give you an idea of what's involved.

    Disclaimer: If you're not comfortable working on your bike's electrical system, it's always best to have a professional mechanic handle the installation. Incorrect installation can damage your bike or even cause injury.

    Tools You'll Need:

    • Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets)
    • Multimeter
    • Timing light
    • Possibly a flywheel puller (depending on your kit)
    • Installation instructions (always refer to the instructions included with your specific kit)

    Steps:

    1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative terminal of your battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
    2. Remove the Stock Ignition Components: Locate the stock CDI unit, ignition coil, and stator (if applicable). Disconnect the wiring and remove the components from the bike. Make sure to label the wires as you disconnect them to make reassembly easier.
    3. Install the New CDI Unit: Mount the IED Toomey CDI unit in the same location as the stock unit. Connect the wiring according to the instructions provided with the kit. Pay close attention to the wiring diagram to ensure everything is connected correctly.
    4. Install the New Ignition Coil: Mount the new high-output ignition coil in place of the stock coil. Connect the wiring, again following the instructions carefully.
    5. Install the New Stator (if applicable): If your kit includes a new stator, you'll need to remove the flywheel to access the stator. Use a flywheel puller to remove the flywheel. Then, remove the stock stator and install the new one. Reinstall the flywheel and torque it to the manufacturer's specifications.
    6. Set the Timing: This is a crucial step. Use a timing light to set the ignition timing according to the instructions provided with the IED Toomey ignition. This typically involves adjusting the position of the stator or using the adjustable timing curves in the CDI unit.
    7. Connect the Battery: Reconnect the negative terminal of your battery.
    8. Test the Ignition: Start the bike and check the ignition timing with the timing light. Make sure the timing is stable and within the specified range.
    9. Fine-Tune (if applicable): If your IED Toomey CDI unit has adjustable timing curves, you can now fine-tune the ignition timing to optimize performance for your specific engine modifications and riding conditions. This may involve some trial and error, but it's worth the effort to get the most out of your ignition system.

    Important Tips:

    • Always refer to the installation instructions that come with your specific IED Toomey kit. The instructions will provide detailed information and diagrams specific to your kit.
    • Double-check all wiring connections before reconnecting the battery. Incorrect wiring can damage the CDI unit or other components.
    • Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage and continuity in the wiring.
    • If you're not comfortable setting the timing, have a professional mechanic do it for you. Incorrect timing can damage your engine.

    Fine-Tuning and Adjustments

    Once you've got the IED Toomey ignition installed, the fun really begins! This is where you can start fine-tuning the system to extract every last ounce of performance from your RZ350. The key to fine-tuning is understanding how different timing adjustments affect your engine's performance.

    • Advancing the Timing: Advancing the timing (firing the spark earlier in the combustion cycle) can increase power and throttle response, especially at higher RPMs. However, too much advance can lead to detonation (knocking), which can damage your engine.
    • Retarding the Timing: Retarding the timing (firing the spark later in the combustion cycle) can reduce detonation and improve low-end torque. It can also help with starting in cold weather.

    The IED Toomey CDI unit typically offers multiple timing curves that you can select from. These curves are pre-programmed with different timing advance profiles. Experiment with the different curves to see which one works best for your specific engine and riding style. You can also use a programmable CDI unit to create your own custom timing curves.

    To fine-tune the timing, you'll need a dyno. A dyno allows you to measure the horsepower and torque output of your engine at different RPMs. By making small adjustments to the timing and monitoring the dyno results, you can optimize the timing for maximum performance. Alternatively, you can make adjustments based on how the bike feels on the road. However, this method is less precise and requires a good understanding of how your engine responds to different timing changes.

    Conclusion: Is the IED Toomey Ignition Worth It?

    So, is the IED Toomey RZ350 ignition upgrade worth the investment? Absolutely! If you're serious about maximizing the performance of your RZ350, this upgrade is a game-changer. The increased power, improved throttle response, and adjustable timing curves make a noticeable difference in how your bike runs and feels. The IED Toomey ignition is a worthwhile investment that will transform your RZ350 into a truly high-performance machine. Just remember to follow the installation instructions carefully and fine-tune the system to your specific needs. Happy riding!