Abstract: The present invention provides a knock sensing system for an internal combustion engine which utilizes only a single knock sensor associated with one of the engine cylinders. Operation of the engine is controlled such that the cylinder which is equipped with a knock sensor will be the first cylinder to experience combustion knock as compared to the remaining engine cylinders. This can be done by various methods, such as advancing the ignition timing on the designated cylinder. The knock sensor is then monitored by the engine control module in order to sense premature detonation on the designated cylinder, knowing that it is highly unlikely that knocking will occur on the other engine cylinders if knocking is not occurring on the designated cylinder. When knocking is sensed, appropriate action, such as shutting down the engine, may be taken by the engine control module. The knock sensor is preferably mounted to a capscrew which couples the intake manifold to the cylinder head.