what's better redhead triple or viper triple


I have 2 99 piped + ported SXs, a couple VMAX4s. and a 2002 SRX.

The VMAX 4s and the SXs are virtually maintenance free, just keep the carbs clean and maintain bearings and clutches.
The Power Valved SRX engine, similar to the Vipers, frequently needs power valve adjustments and cleaning.

REDHEAD
 
Red Heads are tuned at a pretty low performance level in stock form.

-the compression is relatively low
-relatively short stroke so stock piston speed is well under 3500 ft/min
-no power valves for maintaining
-less complex CDI
-under worked cooling system
-under worked oiling system
-all with Yamaha high quality
 
Low maintenance with some money and good parts you can have them produce quit a bit of power. Mrviper did all my work and estimated the HP at 165 and still as reliable as factory. Redhead all the way.
 
Vipers blow rod bearins.
The vipers don't get enough oil. The fix for those engines is to put a srx oil pump on it.

There are are many where I live that are being parted out because of a rod bearing failure including mine.
 
I have a piped and ported redhead and 3 other redhead trail sleds love em.
 
I have 4 viper trail sleds and 2-3 others that are consistently in my riding group and I lost one crank bearing about 4 years ago. Other than that, we have had zero issues with viper engine reliability. If you keep good gas in them, and know how to do a little maintenance and are able to clean carbs they will last a long time. If you don't know how to work on a sled then by all means, buy a redhead. I've put probably 20-25000 miles on viper engines and have had one crank bearing failure over that time that was probably my fault as a result of poor storage that summer. I also run piped and bigbored vipers and have had no issues with those either. Most people lose viper engines because they don't clean the carbs, don't run premium fuel, and don't bump the needles up to account for the crappy gas we get now. Also many people pipe them and don't use proper jetting which results in a meltdown. I will admit the redhead engine will likely last longer, because it is gutless though. I would much rather ride a viper and risk eventually losing a crank bearing or something than spend my life riding around on a poochy redhead. I have and still currently own sleds with both engines in them, but the redhead gets basically zero seat time unless it is a friend looking for a sled to ride. on top of that, the viper is much better looking, and has better technology (digital speedo etc)
 
The 3D timing map in a Viper is not very conducive to triple pipes. There are some older posts on here that describe it in more detail. I saw a chart back in 2002 or 2003 that showed the map and it really isn't tuned to allow much more breathing. MrViper or some of the others can maybe give a better discussion of why.
 
Red head is more relaible.. Got one in my Venture, but hands down the Viper motor is more powerful and fun. My 02 Viper blew a crank bearing about 4yrs ago after some 10,000 km. I have had rebuilt it and she is awesome. Building another Viper motor for well??? We will see what it goes in..lol..
 
Cam..pu those triple pipes that I e-mailed from Kijiji..for sure the Red Head would be better then.We have the same pipes on the XTC 700 here and it pulls like mad..the red head has no issues ..I basically Cat walk that sled whenever I want when I punch the flipper..it is insane.
 
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