Question:

I saw on the internet that Supertrax installed a 600 triple in an S-chassis back around 1996?

Where can I find more info on this install? It sounds like fun!

Thanks,

Greg

Response:

Greg:

Where on earth did you find that story? Amazing! Yeah, we did a Supertrax project story about ten years ago where we bought an MX-Z series, I think it was a 500, and located a Formula III 600 triple for it (right from Ski-Doo’s Race shop).

This was in the days of big three holers and we had been wondering how the lightweight S-chassis (which we loved) would work with a Formula III engine in it.

Larry Wilson of Larry’s Small Engines in Orangeville, Ontario did the swap for us and although it was more than a bolt-in, it worked really well and the hood closed down over the motor, no problem.

One of the problems we ran into was the increased weight over the skis made the sled steer really hard, so we added a stiffer front spring in the skidframe (I think it was from a Formula III).

The hybrid turned out to be a nifty little lake racer and it was still way lighter than the F-3 plus we gained a big advantage in handling and ride.

I think it was soon after this Ski-Doo brought out a 600 MX-Z twin and it was way better (and faster) than our triple.

I’m not sure if I’ve got the story archived but I’ll look for it and post it for you, if possible.

Kent Lester

Question:

I am seriously looking at the BVS2 helmet and have heard mixed reviews on dootalk.com.

Have you done any testing on these and what are your thoughts that it is not SNELL approved? Should every helmet be SNELL approved or just DOT? Nobody in my group has one, so I can’t test it.

The trigger for the flip down visor looks like it may break easily. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jeff Moyer in Sellersville, PA.

Response

Thanks for your email! Helmets are items which are tied tightly to personal preference.

In the case of any full face helmet you should try one in real conditions first. The BVS2 is well liked by our staffers who use it. It has unequaled cold weather protection and visibility as a result of the anti-fogging system built-in.

Again, personal preference is a big factor here. Sorry I can’t be definitive – it’s the nature of helmets.

Motorhead Mark

Question:

I have a 2004 Ski-Doo GSX 600 HO and I need to know what I can do with it.

I have a Ski-Doo riser kit on it and it’s great. I want more power, but there aren’t a lot of parts for GSX 600’s. All of the aftermarket parts are for the MXZ’s and Mach-Z’s and other performance sleds.

What I was wondering was if a parts like an exhaust kit for a 2004 MXZ 600 HO would fit my GSX. If not that, any other sleds that have common aftermarket parts that would fit my GSX. Also, any other info about what I should do with my sled or where I should go for the parts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and I will be anxiously awaiting your response.

Sincerely,

Steven Frangk

Response

Thanks for your question. First thing which comes to mind is this – If you own a Rev GSX and didn’t know it’s a mechanical twin to an MX-Z, you might want to go easy on engine mods.

Here’s the deal, you can bolt anything on a GSX Rev which will fit an MX-Z Rev. With the exception of some small suspension tweaks, the sleds are identical.

Be careful about adding an exhaust system. While there is more HP available with a good aftermarket exhaust, ask the company you buy from about recommended jetting and clutching tweaks.

If you do not perform both clutch and jetting mods you will not get all you paid for with an aftermarket exhaust.

Also, pay careful attention to the advertised sound level of any aftermarket exhaust mod. In many jurisdictions there are noise regulations imposed on snowmobiles.

It is possible to alter the sound your sled makes without exceeding these limits.

Motorhead Mark

Question:

I purchased a left over ’05 Polaris Super Sport. Are there any issues with this particular sled? I have also installed a 1 1/4″ ripsaw track, does this sled have enough power to get the most use out of the higher lug track? What can I expect in the way of performace from the 550 motor? Any information will be appreciated.

Submitted by: Mike Rohwedder

Response:

Wow! I can’t believe you scored a brand new 2-year old Supersport. Good sled! Any reports I’ve heard about the cylinder reed 550 fan SS is that it’s a very bulletproof engine. In fact, one of our staff members, John Arkwright, had one in his personal fleet for a few years.

My biggest complaint with this year/model was that it didn’t offer composite skis from the factory. Your particular model uses the iron liner mill (the 2007s have Nikasil liners and a throttle position sensor) like the 2006. Our understanding is that the 05 makes about 62 horsepower.

Frankly, the 1.25 track probably won’t make much difference unless you’re riding in powder snow a lot. In this setting it will prevent you from getting stuck as often.

With 60-62 HP on tap you’re likely going to see a decrease in top speed by a couple of mph with this track but you’ll hook up better off the line and on trails.

Kent Lester