2016 Viper Ltx LE - upgrade

[Tomaszrze]

hey guys. kind of new to snowmobiling.
so last year I got 2016 viper Ltx le, sadly it's one with bad rods so I can't put turbo in it.

everything is stock except XS Curve skis.
budget is not and issue and I'm looking for advice how I can make this machine handle offtrail better.

I know I have to change track. what kind of track would you suggest?
clutching kits?
new muffler?
what else can I do?

budget is not an issue. as long as it's going to make it beast offtrail.

also is there a way yamaha will replace my rods?

 

[cannondale27]

Look up SnoNinja here he transformed his 137 for off trail.

Only way rods are replaced by Yamaha is if it had a Authorized Turbo already or in recent past the motor broke a rod. Yes kind of a crummy deal for those who want to Turbo now.

 

[Pjw350]

Pull your side stator cover off and you can access a small hole to see if your rods are heat treated and you can try the file test.

 

[Carla 123]

Pull your side stator cover off and you can access a small hole to see if your rods are heat treated and you can try the file test.

I thought you could tell if you had the good rods if you had the half moon rubbers in the valve cover?

 

[Tomaszrze]

well it's LE model so I'm guessing those all are early build. but when I get up north I 'll investigate. so far the only thing I did I read yamaha statement that if the 10th letter in VIN is G means it's with bad rods.

so the had moon rubbers is the indicator also?
how I can check if they are heat treated thru small hole?

 

[SnoNinja]

I'm now on third track, so depends on your definition of off-trail. My definition includes riding with guys on 153s and 162s. I am the only 137 in the group, and I can go most places I want too, and even some that make me wonder why I went there. At this point, my limits are set by a sense of self preservation (or sled preservation) rather than by my sleds capabilities. My sled is pretty much a 137" version of the MTX 141. If you ride trail and moderate off-trail, 1.6 cobra is a good choice. I ran the 1.6 for a season and it was good on and off trail. Last year I switched to a 2" back country which suits my riding better. In addition to track, other things for extra fun off trail are 40" front end with mountain spindles, suspension work, clutching, MTX vertical steering. Only engine add on to date has been Sandale can.

 

[Mtnviper]

well it's LE model so I'm guessing those all are early build. but when I get up north I 'll investigate. so far the only thing I did I read yamaha statement that if the 10th letter in VIN is G means it's with bad rods.

so the had moon rubbers is the indicator also?
how I can check if they are heat treated thru small hole?

The Black rubber half moons would indicate that it's an early build with the "old motor". In the pic below the Red arrow points to the half moon seal on a 2014.

For checking the rods, you are looking for signs of blue heat treating on the beam of the rod. There was a thread on this that went in to more detail on what to look for on the rods. I believe it was Dave at Hurricane that had posted some pics of the different rods.

Bill

 

[Tomaszrze]

well I'm new to snowmobiling.
so far I ride only with my brother who got last year sidewinder Btx Le 153.
We rode 600 miles where 90% were offtrail in pretty deep powder. we weren't doing any crazy stuff since we lack experience, we just tried some wheelies and jumping. but this year we planning on off trailing in Michigan's Upper peninsula. His snowmbile is capable by default. and mine is not.
that's pretty much reason I want to upgrade it.
I was considering even buying this year skidoo free ride. but I kind of love yamaha

so by the off trail I mean being able to get places without getting stuck

 

[SnoNinja]

Your still gonna get stuck if you try hard enough. We get the 153s and 162s stuck. That's part of the fun!

 

[Tomaszrze]

I know man! but I felt like being stuck way often than him. trying right now to find front ends mountain spindles any suggestions where to look? can you recommend some store where to get them and the 2" backcountry track?
also when I was checking the yamaha website it said that max you can get is 1.75 on ltx?

 

[SnoNinja]

You are starting down a long road.....2" track will require changing tunnel protectors to MTX version. Track will want different gearing to pull the tall lug, and clutch work will be necessary to keep you from getting stuck. You need buttery smooth low rpm engagement to keep track from blowing snow out. 40" front end is upper and lower arms, spindles, tie rods, and shortening shocks (or spacers). Both Yamaha and Cat sell all of the parts. I know you say money is no object, but the investment gets big fast. I am well past $5,000 in my upgrades, so unless you are really in love with your LTX, you might just want to look at a 153.

 

[Mtnviper]

You are starting down a long road.....2" track will require changing tunnel protectors to MTX version. Track will want different gearing to pull the tall lug, and clutch work will be necessary to keep you from getting stuck. You need buttery smooth low rpm engagement to keep track from blowing snow out. 40" front end is upper and lower arms, spindles, tie rods, and shortening shocks (or spacers). Both Yamaha and Cat sell all of the parts. I know you say money is no object, but the investment gets big fast. I am well past $5,000 in my upgrades, so unless you are really in love with your LTX, you might just want to look at a 153.

X2 on the 153", I was thinking the same thing. You would be money ahead to sell your LTX and buy a 153" sled. Then you will be automatically getting the features your looking for in an off trail machine such as an uncoupled skid and narrower front end!

 

[Tomaszrze]

damn SnoNinja I just realised you ride same area as I am. I'm going to be looking for you this winter

haha I wanted to trade it in. but with 50 miles on it the dealer already was giving me 4k less what I paid.
extreme power sports in Gaylord rip offs
you see spending that money I lose on trade in. I rather upgrade sled

 

[Tomaszrze]

I think I might just go this year with 1.75 backcountry with 40" front end. big venom clutch kit. sandman. have no clue about shortening shocks and tie rods.
you know any body in Gaylord who would do labor for me if I buy all the parts?

 

[Pjw350]

I thought you could tell if you had the good rods if you had the half moon rubbers in the valve cover?

You can tell if you have the new style motor by the rubber half moons Yes, but Yamaha flat out missed heat treating a number of connecting rods in the new style motor and they are normally gernading within 5-10 miles under boost. Yamaha is only fixing the rods of 2016 owners who at pickup installed a MPI turbo at the dealer. Pretty rotten deal for the rest of us 2016 owners.