for reliability.. none really, IMO a carillo rod is a must in any machine though, and mine will be getting one this winter, other than that aftermarket a-arms are a must, aswell as an aftermarktet lower streering stem pivot bearing setup. i am going to do a full custom efi setup this winter that should fix the electrical issues i have had latelly( appears to be bad ground related)

 

The irony I put my snowmobile up for trade and I got a reply with a raptor 660 is it worth it. I am definitely trading up but I didn't answer him back so I know no details. I need to know ASAP thanks

 

For scrambles NO! You will hate life with one of those pigs. Better off with the 400EX imho. If you change your mind and just want to trail ride then it might be OK. The 660's aren't worth more than a couple grand these days.

 

Im confused about this I looked up the 660 and a trx 450r you say there are pigs but the 660 is only 10lbs heavier (dry) and is like 2 inches taller, also is like a inch shorter length wise

 

With a little research you will see that the 660 is tall and top heavy compared to a 450. They require more rider input to change direction quickly, and they are more likely to bicycle in a high speed corner. More so when you are an hour into a scramble and the corners start to rut out. Since you can only go so wide for XC, it is hard to tame that aspect out of the chassis. I have ridden both 660 and 700 Raptors multiple times back to back with my YFZ and 250R. While the power output is great, the handling just isn't there and I have never felt as comfortable going fast or jumping the Raptors. Stock for stock the suspension is much more cush, but again that just takes away from sharper handling.

I guess bottom line is that specs, stats, and bench racing don't always show you the real world application. Raptors are great trail machines, they are excellent in the dunes, and a great place to begin a drag build. There are probably at least 10 models I would start an xc build with over a 660 though.