I just got back from the dyno where I tested the 04 model against the new 05 model. Suzuki made some good improvements and the new cam and carb setup works magic.

Stock 04 LTZ cranked out 28.6HP at 6500 RPM. We tested the 05 model and it cranked out 30.8 HP at 7200 RPM. The 05 model did not even finish it's 1st tank of fuel.

Low down power output was nearly the same between the two models up to 6000 RPM. After that the 05 model just keeps making power.

After that we took the quads for a drag test and the 05 model killed the 04 model each time. The stock 05 model was even able to kill the 04 models equipped with no lid, jet kit, full exhaust and new air cleaners.

Now for the shocker.

After the drags I was playing around and I found that the damn throttle opening on the 05 model was set to only open to 75%. After adjusting it, I managed to get even more power out of it. I could not get it back on the dyno, but if I had to take a guess, this 05 model should be able to turn out about 32 to 33HP. That is 4 to 5 HP more than the older models.

This past weekend we had another informal drag race and this LTZ lined up against a brand new 05 Predator. It ate the predator for breakfast and was even able to run down some of the slower raptors that did not get their starts 100%. Drags where 320 ft or 100 meters.

With longer drags, the bigger capacity quads should be able to change the tables in their favour and run own the LTZ's, but on the short drags, these new models are running very well.

I have not tested a modified 05 model LTZ, but it should make for some good numbers.

 

Thats impressive! I didn't think the improvements they made would have that much effect..............I'm sure you speak the truth but I would have to "SEE" one beat an 05 Predator............[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Great post Freez, thanks.

 

Wow, What were the changes in 05? Just a bigger carb,different cams, ressie shocks, and clutch disks right? If 05 upgraded cams and carb will work on 04 model, I would consider putting these on my 04! Will parts swap out? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

In the DW article, they stated that the new 05 model had been gusseted. Is this true? If so, was it gusseted in every location it needed to be? DW mentions the sub frame.

 

I have only tested the two on a dyno and a couple of drag races. So, when it comes to finding out of if the parts will fit, I have no idea. I looks like it, but until someone tries it, no one will be able to say for sure.

When it comes to drag racing, it was a bit of a shocker to me that the LTZ was able to kill the predator. Rider skill was about the same, but the Predator had a slightly heavier rider. Nothing major, but it did carry slightly more weight. We did about 5 drags and the LTZ won each time. With a longer distance, the Predator might be able to real the LTZ in, but for the 300 ft distance it was in front by about 1 quad length or even more. The problem with the Predator was that the front end will come up if you launch in hard in 1st, and the rider have to tap off. In 2nd, it did not have the grunt to launch hard and keep up with the LTZ.

It was even able to beat some of the raptors that had basic mods like pipes, and some other little tricks. It was mostly due to the raptors having trouble keeping the front end down.

We dragged on grass, but both quads where brand new. The predator was on its 1st tank of fuel and the LTZ on 4th tank.

 

Thanks for getting back to me on that. I think I'll ask my dealer about compatability and price of 05 stock components verses aftermarket hot cams and FCR carb. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

idont know if the 05 predator would beat the new z or not in along drag because in dirtwheels the y said the did something do the gearing of the pred to increase accelaration and that made the top speed lower than 70mph. I thought the z did 70 or maybe even 71-73???

 

Yes, the new predator got shorter gear ratios and is suppose to have quicker acceleration. We had a small informal drag race with 13 quads ranging form YFZ450's, DS650, Raptors 660, LTZ, Predator, Banshees and a raptor 350. The only quad slower than that predator was the Raptor 350.

We had a couple of different riders on the predator, none of them could get that thing to move and beat the LTZ.

 

Sounds like an awesume shootout. Thats really odd about the Predator though. My EX with just a few mods has no problem beating Zs but both of my buddies Predators will walk away from me..............I just can't see it but I'm sure its possible.