Can anyone tell me what make a SP 500 H.O. different from an older SP 500? I bought a 1998 SP500 and I know there are some improvements in the newer wheeler like the rear shafts and rims, but is there something that makes the newer 500 "high output"? Thanks

 

I think the HO is supposed to have about 20% more power.

 

20 % more power

Steel Braded Brake Lines

Improved rotors

Steel Master Cylinder

 

What makes the 20% increase in power? I would think it would have to be the cam or carb or both.

 

As far as I know it's the cam. Aaen sells a cam they call they H.O. update cam for older 500s. They also sell an even more improved one than that as well.

 

There are quite a few improvements to the later models but it sounds like you are interested in the power increase. The 500 HO has a bigger carb, hotter cam and a stronger bottom end. The cam and carb can be changed in the none HO to get the extra power but the bottom end is much more costlier. However many people have here have done the conversion without the bottom end upgrade with success. Maybe they could comment on it's longevity? Another consideration is fuel economy, my none HO would net about 22 mpg whereas my HO is about 15 mpg.