I finally bought a 1999 Scrambler 400 4x4. I picked it up last night for $2900. All stock except for a K&N filter. Looks to have about average wear and tires are about 60%. Now for a ton of questions.

Are pipes necessary for more power? I was wondering if the K&N that's in it would be enough if I added a clutch kit. The previous owner put the K&N in without rejetting, should I rejet?

What's a good replacement tire for the rear?

Who makes a good swingarm skid plate?

I want to get a set of racks, should I go with Polaris or aftermarket?

What should I use for injector oil? The previous owner gave me a little that was left of the original gallon of Polaris synthetic that came with it when he bought it new. He said he was thinking of switching because it is $30/gallon. Is this true? Does anyone make any cheaper alternatives that work just as well? Do you have to use synthetics?

Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

Are pipes a must,no.But they to increase the fun factor greatly.With any pipe you will need to get a clutch kit to match your new pipes power band.To increase air flow without increasing fuel is a nono.Lean means heat,alot of it,and a potential problem could arise.My airbox slipped off my carb,leaning out the mixture and melting my piston within minutes.Obviously your case is not as extreme, but you should correct it asap.Call Rick Ritter,his Phone# is on his site,www.rittercyle.com.I've found Hpd to be very helpful to(www.hpd-inc.com)tHE OTHER QUESTIONS i DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT.(darn caps lock)Good luck.

 

The correct pipe for your riding style (low end, mid range, or top end) will drastically improve power. The K&N will flow more air than a stock element, however, it does allow more dust into the engine. I'm not sure how much it will reduce the life of the engine, but it should have some effect. I have read where many people have put the K&N on the polaris 400 2-stroke without rejetting and had no problem. To be on the safe side, I would rejet.

The stock rear tires on the scramblers are tops for traction. Holeshots or Razr's are also good replacements.


I don't know who makes a good swingarm skid plate. I'm sure someone else will reply to answer this one.

For a set of racks, Polaris would probably be the best place, since the fit will probably be good. I'm not sure on this one though.

The polaris synthetic oil is a good oil. Although I believe in synthetics, I'm not positive that they are necessary to obtain long engine life. The regular polaris oil (non-synthetic) should also be a good-quality oil, and cheaper as well. About the cheapest high quality oil I've read about is Phillips Injex. I've read lots of good things about it, and it's supposed to be dirt cheap.

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Congrats on your fine purchase!
I would have to say yes, a pipe is the first and foremost step to producing more power.A pipe in itself is not going to do what it is capable of without proper clutching,jetting,and air intake.You said you have a k&n? The extra air intake won't do much w/o a bigger jet and a pipe to balance it out.RCR makes a stage 1 kit that makes it very simple.It includes all the components you will need for a few hudred $$.
As for the injector oil, I personally would stick with the Polaris synthetic. Yes it's $30 a gallon, but a gallon will last you about 6-10 months, and it is pretty much smokeless. I hope your scrammy treats you well...enjoy!

 

how do ya like the power on the new wheeler? im thinking of buying maybe a 99 sport 400, or a 98 sport 400.

 

Congrats on your quad. It looks like you got a great deal on it. Pipes/Silencers are usually the first mod people get. They will increase your hp. As for racks I just bought a Polaris rear rack I like it but it is small. I have another machine to put one on, I might buy if from rockymountainatv they are only $70 and it looks a little larger. Have fun.

 

Some more questions. How well do the stock plastic chassis skid plates hold up? Shouls I keep it on until it wears out or should I replace it with aluminum before it breaks?

How much do aftermarket reed cages improve power?

How hard are front outer axle boots to replace?

Anyone know where I can find a service manual for the 400 4x4 and how much they are?

Does anyone make plastic handguards? I can't seem to find any anywhere.

expedition00 - I really like the power. I had (it's still in my garage waiting for my dad to pick it up) a 1995 Yamaha Wolverine. The Scrambler totally blows it away. Everyone always told me that Scramblers were heavy. The have a weight of 520 lbs. listed for the 400 4x4. Yamaha has a "claimed" dry weight of 485 lbs. for the Wolverine. I picked them both up from the front and the back last night. The Scrambler is alot easier to lift than the Wolverine both from the front and the back. Also, being able to switch in and out of 4x4 is a huge plus. I never new how much fun 2wd was until I rode the Scrambler. Plus, the Scrambler seems to handle alot better than the Wolverine. These are jus initial impressions from about 15 minutes of riding. I'll know alot more once I take it to my usual riding area.

 

Well Matt I am in the same boat as you asking lots of question's and learning. I have only owned my Scrambler for a month. The people on this site are great and willing to help. I have only been a member for a short time. I give my feed back as much as I can if I know what I am talking about. So finally to your question.

Anyone know where I can find a service manual for the 400 4x4 and how much they are?


I just bought a service manual from Polaris dealer for $30. It is a great book. That was the only place I could find mine. You might try amazon.com or e-bay. But sometimes on e-bay it sales for more than it is new.

 

Mattdewalt

Polaris makes a good set of handgaurds they run around $50 for them.
As far as the plastic skid plate goes they seem to hold up realy well to all the rocks and stumps. Hope this helps

 

Matt,I have v force delta reed cage in my sport 400.I put it in at the same time as I did RCR's stage 1 kit.More power I do not know,but throttle reponse was "crisper".