Hi, new here, I have a 2004 300ex all stock and am wanting to improve its performance. Looking to spend around $400, any suggestions on parts to buy?

 

All stock then the first things to do are an exhaust, new air filter, and rejet the carb. At $400, you are probably looking at a slip on exhaust, probably a nice UNI filter(I prefer foam for everywhere but the dunes) and a few jets. These are the basic upgrades, the beginning of the path to bigger things if you will. You can contact the pipe manufacturer for jetting recommendations. They should be able to get you close. The full jet kits are a waste of money IMHO, Just buy the ones you need. There are a few places that even sell pipe/filter/jets as a package deal.

 

Ok thanks, I will look into it.

 

You might want to look into a different suspension setup up front as well as performance upgrades.

 

if you can find some 400ex a arms and front shocks, it will make a huge difference in the ride and handling, you will need a top shock mounting kit, or reweld the top mounts for the longer shocks, and 400ex tie rods to hook up to the spindles. you will gain 1" per side and almost double your suspension travel, well worth it. on the back you can put spacers, but dont jump it too hard, the spacers can put more stress on the axles, my son managed to bend one side jumping ditches, came down crooked and hard once too often. If you open up the intake and exhaust, you will need to change your cdi to an aftermarket with a +1000 rpm rev limit, it will rev so much quicker and better when it can breathe, you will be bouncing off the stock limiter all the time,and wont be able get all the performance out of it. eBay is a great source of good used ATV parts and accessories, most of my quads were put together with eBay parts !!

 

Going to buy a new exhaust, any suggestions on any? White bros, DG, FMF , ... ?

 

FMF or HMF have always worked good for me. Get the quiet core insert.

 

Is there much of a difference between a full exhaust or a slip on

 

Supposedly the stock header pipe is very restrictive. since your going to be buying an exhaust you might as well spend a little extra on a full exhaust system.

 

Ok thanks a lot