I have a stock 1997 500 xtc, I know this sled is jetted on the rich side from the factory, and with gas prices out of sight, does anyone know how much I can safely lean it out? I mostly trail ride, no racing, no sustained wide open runs. The coldest would be 5-10 above zero. Thanks for any help.
FuzzButt
New member
That's a tough one.
Stock is 151.3 main and 45 pilot for your 500 (Oddly same as my 600.
You could drop the main down one size (The tuning page @ our tech pages recommends that)
Looking at the chart in the manual though for Michigan's average altitude 1000-1500' and above 0F the 151.3 is recommended. 150 is the next size down for our altitude. 148.8 with the clip at 1.5 instead of 2 is for the next higher altitude of 1600-3300 feet.
I am actually considering putting in the 152.5's next time I have them apart since I am tired of running in below 0F temps jetted for 10-30F. Not worth a motor rebuild to run it a bit leaner in my opinion.
What do your plugs look like?
Stock is 151.3 main and 45 pilot for your 500 (Oddly same as my 600.
You could drop the main down one size (The tuning page @ our tech pages recommends that)
Looking at the chart in the manual though for Michigan's average altitude 1000-1500' and above 0F the 151.3 is recommended. 150 is the next size down for our altitude. 148.8 with the clip at 1.5 instead of 2 is for the next higher altitude of 1600-3300 feet.
I am actually considering putting in the 152.5's next time I have them apart since I am tired of running in below 0F temps jetted for 10-30F. Not worth a motor rebuild to run it a bit leaner in my opinion.
What do your plugs look like?
The twins flat out suck on fuel.They also eat clutch parts! trade it on a 600 triple....really!!!
I ran 150 mains at -20 degree's in the 500 twinsm in mi and wi.
harness racer
New member
you can drop your pilots + drop your needle down one clip and stay with the main jets you got as you dont drive around on that circiut anyway . this will improve your mileage but as turk said drop a 600 in that sled .
Yama49601
Member
Turk said:
This is what I've been repeatedly telling my friend about his 97 600XTC but he refuses to listen. He's got at least 100 reasons why the twin is so much better. The only valid one might be that it's lighter. I told him just barely. Even though I don't know what they both weigh for sure. I just wish he'd get a triple and quit *'ing around.
FuzzButt
New member
I love my twin. I've always had twins. Rode a few triples and I simply don't enjoy the note from the exhaust as much.
With that said I start to sweat at about 115 miles if I am no where near a place I can get gas. I've never ran mine out but I do plan gas stops every 90 miles or so just to be in the safe side.
How much better is the mileage going to be with slightly smaller jets? The 500's (My Mom's sled is a 500 Polaris Classic) simply need to work harder.
Thing is snowmobiling is not cheap. The 10-12 MPG is just a fact. At least it is a fun 10-12MPG our Yukon gets that same mileage towing and that is not fun driving.
With that said I start to sweat at about 115 miles if I am no where near a place I can get gas. I've never ran mine out but I do plan gas stops every 90 miles or so just to be in the safe side.
How much better is the mileage going to be with slightly smaller jets? The 500's (My Mom's sled is a 500 Polaris Classic) simply need to work harder.
Thing is snowmobiling is not cheap. The 10-12 MPG is just a fact. At least it is a fun 10-12MPG our Yukon gets that same mileage towing and that is not fun driving.
harness racer
New member
you will easily get 120 miles on a road trip with the triple , and its 1 cylinder and piston heavier, thats it .. it all fits in the smae sled you have pre-punched holes in your chassy to move your rear mounts , front ones are the same , you will need a air box and carbs , clutching, and away you go , it will cost you approx $650 for a trail ported one if you sell your engine for $350. Best investment you will make !!!!!