Hi all.. This is a loaded question. Actually several questions. I live at 5000' elevation in northern Canada and my new buggy is taking a kickin on these hills. I could really use some upgrade/mod advice.
I bought a GSX150R2 Carter Talon about a year ago, and so far it's been pretty fun. There's MILES and MILES of beautiful atv trails, literally out my back door. Problem is, the buggy really gets knocked around on rocky terrain, steep inclines, TONS of mud and snow, and a driver who can't let off the gas. I know I need to invest in a better suspension and tires, but the first problem I'm trying to correct is the air intake and exhaust, clutch and CVT.
I'm planning on a performance variator with at least 9 or 10 gram rollers, Dr Pully clutch with at least 1500 or 2000 rpm torque spring.. might try both, since my stock clutch is slipping a ton right now thanks to the heavy inclines. I even had to redneck a string around a pulley connected to the gas pedal so I could get out, tug the rope to accelerate and push like hell.
Also... any advice for a better intake and exhaust system? And the new jet to match? (and consider that I'm literally in the clouds at 5000 feet elevation) And since it's high up, there's a ton of snow, mud, and standing water. I'm not sure if I need a full-on snorkel, (I at least TRY to stay out of deep water) but the stock system is sucking in water and even mud from the air filter housing and sending it right into the carb. Nice eh? So ..uh.. any advice on a good system of flushing everything out while we're at it? I used a little teflon sealant on the gap... but there must be a better way. I'm no genious... but I know the uni-filter set-up I've seen wouldn't be such a good idea. I can see it lasting about 2 days in this mud and dust. My engine needs to breathe better since the air is so thin.. but it needs to stop sucking mud past the intake first!!
It's one of those "geez..where do I start" kinda questions. And yeah yeah... I know this kind of terrain is pushing this machine to it's limits. But that's what we do in Grande Cache Alberta. (our main event here is called the Death Race... google it, you'll love it) Thanks in advance to anyone with some sound advice.
There is help for you. However you will need to tune your buggy for torque (like I did). Here's a shopping list and you will be able to climb the slopes you see in at the end of this post.
Engine:
Low restriction intake filter with precharger cover
Lower restriction exhaust (not too much or you lose torque)
A12 Torque cam
Rejetted carburetor (most likely 125-130 main jet)
Transmission:
9 or 10g rollers
115mm variator only if you want more range (will not help low end)
1500 RPM torque spring
39T axle sprocket (I do not know your stock size)
40/13 final transmission gearset (I do not know your stock ratio)
Wheels:
22" or larger front tires on 10" or larger rims to reduce rolling resistance
22" or smaller rear tires on 8" or 10" rims to keep your gear ratios low
My conditions are almost the exact opposite, however there are tons on dirt/sandy hills. I like the 9g and 1500 spring, with the 10g i think you get into the high gears a tad too early for long climbs. I'm thinking of trying 8g and bigger axle sprocket, because it takes about a 1/4 mile to reach full speed on a flat, hard surface, which is 33-37mph. Back to the subject. These are my best mods satisfaction wise.
9g roller/ 1500 spring
Artic cat front shocks, Blaster rear
terrain ripping rear tires
air/exhaust/gas.
The clutch mods are cheap and a must!!
The suspension mods takes these inexpensive buggies to a new level, the ride goes from fun to quality, ...MAJOR DIFFERENCE.
I spent $160 on shocks and would gladly spend twice that on any mod that would give the same satifaction. Just my 2 cents.
Greg _________________ 07 Sand Viper, Uni w/145,Hit CL,Predator Shocks,Wht tq Spg, HP CL,HP CDI,
Dune 150 w/CN250
Arctic cat front, Blaster rear shocks
22x10x11 lightfoots rear
Malossi clutch
aux lites
Hey Pete, you just about got me sold on that 39t sprocket. I got a coulple of questions.
1. Hills that I barely make it up with 9g will I get up with some pep?
2. Does it reduce the time in reaching top speed, I understand i will loose top end; however if I reach top speed much quicker and stronger that would be well worth it?
3. how easy is it to get that old axle off, and the new one on?
4. what's your opinion on a big bore?
5. nice pix dig the water crossing. No water in the desert. _________________ 07 Sand Viper, Uni w/145,Hit CL,Predator Shocks,Wht tq Spg, HP CL,HP CDI,
Dune 150 w/CN250
Arctic cat front, Blaster rear shocks
22x10x11 lightfoots rear
Malossi clutch
aux lites
Wow..thanks for the advice and the great pics.. that's some great incentive. Curious how much top end I'd lose with that much gain in torque? I won't be revving out leaving my backyard will I?
My conditions are almost the exact opposite, however there are tons on dirt/sandy hills. I like the 9g and 1500 spring, with the 10g i think you get into the high gears a tad too early for long climbs. I'm thinking of trying 8g and bigger axle sprocket, because it takes about a 1/4 mile to reach full speed on a flat, hard surface, which is 33-37mph. Back to the subject. These are my best mods satisfaction wise.
9g roller/ 1500 spring
Artic cat front shocks, Blaster rear
terrain ripping rear tires
air/exhaust/gas.
The clutch mods are cheap and a must!!
The suspension mods takes these inexpensive buggies to a new level, the ride goes from fun to quality, ...MAJOR DIFFERENCE.
I spent $160 on shocks and would gladly spend twice that on any mod that would give the same satifaction. Just my 2 cents.
Greg
gmanlv i don't think you can go wrong with the 39tooth sprocket really helps that buggy with the lower gearing and some say you will only loose 3mph for me that wasn't a problem.
i know opinions vary but i would go with 10gram sliders over the 8 gram rollers,they make your machine nice and torquie give you good bottom end,shift nice to.they say they are equal to a 8 grams rollers. i'm just running these in a stock variator.think you will find out the light roller will flat spot on you in just a little while of riding,i know they did on me and
and everything was fine with my cvt.
that just my opinion
pud
ps:i really liked those pictures guys after seeing them it did make my bones hurt _________________ 2006 sunl 150b
Dr. pulley 10 gram sliders, 1500 torque spring,39 tooth sprocket,2000lb winch, red neck uni filter, 125 main jet at 1,450 elevation, drilled out exhaust,ngk iridium plug,performance intake
trying a set of 10gram rollers now
You run the Yerf up that hill in your post? You are the MAN!
I knew these buggies could pull off some amazing things but that right there is what I want.
Where is that in WA? Is it anywhere close (1-2hrs) from Team Farm or the Dunes we were talking about for Labor Day? _________________ Baja Dune 150
9 gram rollers, Yellow main spring, Uni Filter w/pre charger, HP CDI, HP Coil and Plug wire, Gutted exhaust, 130 main jet, all new balljoints and rod ends.
What is a "precharger cover"? _________________ Spyder 250 (KTR-250W, or GK-29)
Blue (Polini) main Spring
17g Sliders
White clutch springs
UNI filter / 130 Jet
Hey Pete, you just about got me sold on that 39t sprocket. I got a coulple of questions.
1. Hills that I barely make it up with 9g will I get up with some pep?
2. Does it reduce the time in reaching top speed, I understand i will loose top end; however if I reach top speed much quicker and stronger that would be well worth it?
3. how easy is it to get that old axle off, and the new one on?
4. what's your opinion on a big bore?
5. nice pix dig the water crossing. No water in the desert.
I kept gearing down until I would not bog. You can over do it - I was originally running 20" tires and could not break 30 mph although I could chirp the tires on dry pavement with the stock clutch. Speaking of clutches: Mine is the original 4year old stock clutch with no signs of wear. There will still be hills you cannot climb due to lack of momentum, but being able to torque up the hill until the tires let loose gets you quite far. You will definitely have better take off, but a stock Twister 150 will beat me on the flats for top end speed.
Stupid Kracker put together a how-to swap sprockets in this post:
Mine was much simpler to replace since my axle does not have guards. You may need a longer chain to run the bigger sprocket - I bought the Buggy Depot chain tensioner that is stronger and longer than stock so I could use stock chain length.
I probably will never spend the time and money to to split and machine the case for a big bore. When this engine wears out, I will put in a 155cc kit. I even have two spare engines, I just don't have the time for big bores.
The pictures were from an area north of Seattle called Walker Valley. Team Farm lives in the eastern part of the state that is high desert so the riding east of the Cascade Mountains is completely different than what I have on the western side. There are technical trails for bikes, ATVs and 4x4s. If you search the forum you will find the other pictures from our trip.
Another location within an hour of my home is even more technical and sits in the foothills of the mountains. Reiter Pit starts at an old rock quarry and winds up into the mountains past abandoned mines. There is even a creek crossing that can get you pretty wet when in a buggy. If the creek doesn't get you a mud hole trail will - Most of the 4x4 are running 35" and taller tires resulting in ruts that will high center you with only your flag above water.
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