I really like the reliability of my 400ex but I am considering putting a 440 kit into it. By upgrading to a 440 do you sacrifice reliability or longevity of the motor? What do you guys think?

 

Are you a gambling man?


Do it right, and it should serve you well. Cut corners, and you'll likely end up paying out the wazoo.

 

i would start out with a 426 with other motor mods,.. it revs faster

 

I put the 440 on mine 2 years ago and have had no problems at all. Well actually I should mention that my second time out with it I notcied that my oil resevoir was empty after a day of riding. I took it back to my mechanic and he said that the seals probably had not completely set and I should give it time and just check the oil reguarly. Turned out he was right and since then it has run flawlessly. Just be sure to break it it for at least 2 tanks. Have fun with it but don't just get on it right after you have your kit installed. Good Luck!

 

my buddy did it and had all sort of issues. Maybe he didn't do it right, but he said the gain wasn't worth the cost and headache. I'm sure there are plenty of people who had great luck though. The trick is not to buy a slow quad and try and make it fast, it's to buy a fast quad and make it faster (ie, the 450 honda/yamaha).

 

i hope your not sayin the 400ex is slow,.. its alot faster than you can run.

 

Slow is relative. So is success and happiness, it's all relative depending on what you are comparing it to. I've been riding since 1999 and when I first bought my 400ex it was a bullet in my mind! now when I ride a friends Raptor or (I can only guess, haven't ridden) looking at the 450R or yamaha 450, the 400ex is behind, way behind. That doesn't make it a slow quad overall, but it's underpowered for many situations, mainly sand. I think the more experienced a rider becomes, the more power they crave.
Most people add power first, suspension second. Mistake with the 400ex. Ask any pro rider "whats the first thing you would do to a stock quad" and I bet 100% of the answers will be "new suspension". I actually asked Jeremy McGrath that when he was in St.Louis for his farewell tour and he said suspension as well (he also rides quads in the dunes for fun).
The main reason, I believe, is suspension costs too much. Hey, save your money and you wont be disappointed! You will be able to ride the same path, only in 4th gear WFO instead of 3rd, and actually be in control.