Turning a SX Viper into Viper Mountain?
- Thread starter norwegian
- Start date
It is hard to make it a mountain capable sled without swapping skids. The stock skid just does not make a very good deep snow sled even with extensions. I actually swapped to a mountain tunnel on mine and a Nytro XTX skid. The 2005 Mtn Viper skid (Mtn Proactive) is a good skid too, but there are many options here.
All-in-all, it would be easier to start with a Mtn chassis and swap in motor, etc.
However, there are old posts on here that (if they still exist) have a lot of good info on making a crossover sled out of a shorty. You can also look at Hartman Inc. kits and MPI kits that were designed to accomplish this back then.
You will definitely want to gear down either by changing gears, and/or drivers. The 8-tooth no-slip drivers are an excellent choice for this. You may want to change to the narrower front end if you want to be able to sidehill very well. Steering rods, radius rods, and shocks need to be changed to accomplish this.
As far as rivets . . .
While Yamaha spec'ed numerous different rivets throughout the sled the Stavex BS01-0618 can replace many of them. A smaller grip range version of this rivet was the most commonly used. There are a few locations where you will others, but we can help you find those too.
There are a number of options depending upon how much you want to change. So for a complete parts list we would need to know your choices on how far you want to go. To truly be a mountain sled, start with a mountain chassis. But to be a somewhat mountain capable sled, you can modify the one you have.
I suggest reading info at . . .
http://www.hartmaninc.com/viper.html
and . . .
http://www.mountainperformance.com/lt_and_tunnel_kits.htm
and also spend some time searching this site for old posts as well as the TY Tech Section
Tom Hartman is a very good resource to talk with (first site link)
Once you have a better idea of which options you want to go with, post what you want to do and we can help fill in the blanks.
All-in-all, it would be easier to start with a Mtn chassis and swap in motor, etc.
However, there are old posts on here that (if they still exist) have a lot of good info on making a crossover sled out of a shorty. You can also look at Hartman Inc. kits and MPI kits that were designed to accomplish this back then.
You will definitely want to gear down either by changing gears, and/or drivers. The 8-tooth no-slip drivers are an excellent choice for this. You may want to change to the narrower front end if you want to be able to sidehill very well. Steering rods, radius rods, and shocks need to be changed to accomplish this.
As far as rivets . . .
While Yamaha spec'ed numerous different rivets throughout the sled the Stavex BS01-0618 can replace many of them. A smaller grip range version of this rivet was the most commonly used. There are a few locations where you will others, but we can help you find those too.
There are a number of options depending upon how much you want to change. So for a complete parts list we would need to know your choices on how far you want to go. To truly be a mountain sled, start with a mountain chassis. But to be a somewhat mountain capable sled, you can modify the one you have.
I suggest reading info at . . .
http://www.hartmaninc.com/viper.html
and . . .
http://www.mountainperformance.com/lt_and_tunnel_kits.htm
and also spend some time searching this site for old posts as well as the TY Tech Section
Tom Hartman is a very good resource to talk with (first site link)
Once you have a better idea of which options you want to go with, post what you want to do and we can help fill in the blanks.
super1c
Super Moderator
X2 on talking with tom hartman. I took both my vipers to 144 with hartman tunnels and track usa extensions but these will be mostly trail sleds and off trail fun every now and then. Here is a link to my build. http://www.totallyamaha.net/forums/showthread.php?t=86904 . It will at least give ya an idea on what the tunnels will look like and parts/work involved. Chris
I think we will settle with tunnel extensions and rail extensions, and maybe relocate the skid. He doesn't have that much money. I'll look into hartman and mountainperformance thanks
I found out that Rich sells Hartman Kits, that will make things alot easier.
I found out that Rich sells Hartman Kits, that will make things alot easier.
Last edited:
super1c
Super Moderator
I know mountain performance does not do the tunnel ext anymore. Hartman is going be your best bet and they look great. Also track usa has great package prices, i just didnt like the tunnel extensions because you have to cut your own cooler holes and they also dont carry the cooler hose covers. But for the price you cant beat it. My buddies nytros are both track usa kits installed by dealer and they look spot on.
Hartmann makes a good kit but i would definitely recommend going longer than 144 i would to a 151 or 153 if u plan on going up in the mountains.
staggs65
Moderator
I have an actual Mountain Viper and like Ding said they have a narrower front track and no swaybar
Mtn skis are a must. Relocate of the skid helps attack angle.