How hard is it to change the cams on a 2002 Prairie 650? I am considering a offset key and installing new web cams in my prairie to liven it up a little more. Is this something I can do [I'm kind of mechanical] or something I should have a shop do and what kind of labor [hours] should it take.
Thanks [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Had Kawasaki shop install mine. Be sure you check that the compression release springs are not binding inside you new cams before you install them and cam gear rotates freely on end of your new cam. Luckily the Shop technician caught this. Had to take springs out of core cams. I got the PBR cams 2 years ago. Some people say they are not the best and designed for high compression engine, but nobody told my prairrie, if my prarrie runs any better it will need wheelie bars. I Topped it off with a holeshot module & Snorkel, K & N Filter Dynojet Needles, EPI Red and Black Springs and a rear set of 25 X 12.5 Mudmachines. If I don't get off the gas from a dead start it will flip. Whack the throttle, instant roost, tops out 62-65 & I'm a 260 pound rider.
Old Betsy will hold her own. You'll have trouble finding stock prairrie 700s to race you though.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Thanks going to have local shop install Penland flywheel key friday [tommorow] just wondering what kind of labor it takes to change out the cam's think that is my next mod. Hope my local shop is as good as your's was in finding any problems before they are a problem.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

TuffEnuff,

Glad to hear I'm not alone with the PBR cams. Mike did a little work on my bike last month & it's a rocket. Off the line more than 2/3 throttle & it's either spinning or walking on two wheels. While I was there we didn't have time to do the fly wheel key. My local shop says they'll charge me book which is two hours ($65 * 2 = $130). Let me know how it works out for you. My goal is keeping a little more advance on the top end. Bottom & middle is plenty. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

BTW - I spent the better part of a day with Mike and his brother. They're both great guys & I wouldn't hesitate to refer anyone to them for parts or work.

 

Goggleeyed
Ditto. I've' talked to Mike Penland on the phone and he's definately a down to earth and friendly guy.

My bike use to take 1/4 of a mile to reach 62-65 now it only takes a little more than an 1/8. Thinking about geting the flywheel key but I think the red drive spring satisfies my adrenaline rush, at least for now. I wish someone had a dyno for ATVs close by so I could get it tuned for maximum HP. Maybe if the Unlimiter "EVER" comes out We can have the both of best worlds.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I hear you on the Unlimiter. It's not looking good so I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the flywheel key. Mike says it will help all the way through the power band.

By the way, in your signature it looks like your running 142/145 jets. I have the DG Snorkle, Twin Air & HMF Full system. With that system I'm running 152/158. Might want to consider jetting up some.

 

Goggleeye

What namebrand jets are you using? Are you running a stock airbox, if not what mods have you made to airbox lid?

My plugs are tan brown after high speed run/shutdown. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img] Guess I'll start tinkering with jets & re-time it in the 1/8 mile.
Heard the timing key has a tendency to become loose/wallow out hole over time which could trash your motor if it came dislodged. Who knows, by know maybe there is a better key or the new key is made of same material as crank to prevent key loss?

Let me know how key works out and how difficult was it to install or how much dealer charged you to install it.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

can NE1 go through the steps it takes to install the offset key? And where to get one? Maybe some loctite in the keyway would help hold the key in better.

 

Horseman - I would think a little loctite would take care of it also. Can't afford to be buying new blocks.

TE- The jets are the round kehein's (spelling is questionable). I tried running with the airbox cracked & it made no improvement so there are no holes.

Your plug chop sounds like it's close to where you need to be. It just doesn't make sense that I'm able to run such larger jets. I was running 142/145 before the cams. Mike did a few things that I won't mention but I don't think any of them would greatly effect airflow. Maybe a full exhaust system would help???

 

I instal an 6* offset key in my 03 650 two weeks ago, I have regular intake and exhaust mods, since I put the key it is pinking (even with 94 oct gaz) but the performance increase is noticable 2-3mph and better respond, still playing aroung with the jetting I hope I can jet it so it stop pinking, but even now with more timming it really feel like the cam timming is the main problem for top end.
the key is pretty simple to instal all you need is a 35mm puller to remove the magnéto and regular tool to undo the left cover and water pump, of course be carefull with the gaskets !