I didn't read the whole thing yet, I take it this way you don't you flywheel and stator?

 

Flywheel,stator and plate and even the recoil cover can stay on. You have to get the cam at tdc. Mark the head inline with the index pin. Remove the tensioner, thermostat housing(to get to the cam plate) cam plate and rocker arm blocks. Remove the sprocket(without moving the flywheel and let the sprocket and chain drop down. Pull out the old cam,in with the new one and align the sprocket with the cam. Wiggle the chain if you have to but not the flywheel... The rest is on the post you found.

 

Awesome, thank you!!! I'll order the parts tomorrow.

 

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/251421926474

 

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/252891450032 5 by 10 separate I can save about $50 these are the right ones correct

 

Im.not sure why the links aren't active, but anyway it doesn't say 500HO, it says 1996-2012 sportsman 500. I read that they only offer the 500ho now? Just want to be sure it is the right one, the one you posted also doesn't say 500ho OPT

 

If I'm not mistaken 2000 and earlier 500s were non-HO and 2001 and later were HO.

 

Yes I believe 2001 was the first year for the ho, that's why I'm not sure if these are the ho cams. They say 96-12. I'd hate to order it and wait a week just to find out its not right. I also think I read somewhere that the aftermarket 500 cams are all ho now but need to confirm

 

That's the thing on most of the aftermarket cams shown. They don't list whether it's an actual HO cam or not. Only difference between the two cams was the duration. Lobe height was the same on both HO and non HO cams. They are mostly listed like this.
THIS PART REPLACES OEM POLARIS #'s:
CAMSHAFT:
- 3086212 (Non HO cam part#)
- 3084898 " " "
- 3085855 (This is the HO cam part#)
Haven't heard of any complaints from people on these after market cams so far.Either one of these aftermarket cams or $230 or more for just the oem cam,doesn't include the rocker arm.

 

I went ahead and ordered the second one that you posted the link of yesterday. The one that came with the cam, rocker and gaskets for $139. If it turns out that it's for the regular 500 motor, it will still work correct? Bolt right in?