Thanks--
I got the 0W part for the cold

my concern is the 40 vs 30 for the hot.

I'm suggesting 40 may be too thick, I'm basing the idea on others using regular 10w30 oils.

 

Polaris changed there mine on the last number now. On ebay the describe the new PS-4 OEM Polaris synthetic oil as 0w-50 ,so it seems there heading in the other direction.

 

Jim,

I've got a 2000 SP500 also. Here's the aftermarket parts that I use in substitution for Polaris. They've worked great for 8 years and 2000+ miles.

Mobil 1 Oil Filter: M1-110 (AutoZone) {or K&N KN303 or Purolator 14610}
Oil: Mobil 1 0W/40, 2 Quarts
NKG Iridium Spark Plug: BKR5EIX (Advance Auto Parts)

As far as the process, you simply need to:
1) Unscrew the oil tank drain bolt.
2) Unscrew the crankcase drain bolt (this one can be a PITA... you need to get it at while lying down on the ground, looking up, and unscrew the bolt through an access hole in the frame.
3) Unscrew oil filter.

Reverse steps #3->1 with a new filter after the oil has drained, remembering to lube the gasket of the new filter with oil b4 putting it on.

Important: The engine takes almost exactly 2 quarts when you drain the crankcase. If you skip draining the crankcase (lazy, etc.), don't put all 2 quarts in. There's probably a good pint in that crankcase... and you'll overfill w/ 2 quarts unless u drain the crankcase too.