'99 Kodiak peformance suggestions...

[Jet A-1]

I have a 1999 Kodiak 5-speed that I bought new after having sold an '86 YFM 225, which I also bought new. I'm starting to geta little jealous about the performance of newer and larger ATV's so I decided to look at some upgrades. I've found that air filter/jet kits for this year Kodiak are non-existant (I stand to be corrected, but that's what the c.s.r. from High-Lifter said). Similarly a kit to enable part-time 4x4 doesn't exist either. I wouldn't have figured that the '99 Kodi would be that much different from an earlier one or Big Bear. Anyone have any suggestions as to performance upgrades I should look at? (btw: I'd prefer to keep it rather than get another new machine) The only thing I have done with it is install a 1.5" lift in anticipation of 26" rubber (soon I hope!)

 

[maim]

you should be able to get a warn 424 kit for that bike. mine is not listed at all. you might have to phone warn direct though to get proper listing.

if it replaces drive shaft to front diff, the part # are the same for the kodiak and the big bear from yamaha so i would think it would work.

 

[clutch]

If you want a little more top end power you can always drill some 1" holes in the airbox lid. Your 400 could use a little more air and the jetting will be fine.

 

[Jet A-1]

Thanks for the info. I'm looking into a Warn 424, but they are a little pricey (I'm also in the market for a second quad). I drilled 10 evenly spaces 3/8" holes in the air box lid and right away it seemed to make a difference (at speed of course!). I am waiting on a Uni air filter for it as well. I guess the cheapest/easiest mods will be first. I'm surprised there isn't more performance info on the internet regarding older Big Bears and Kodiaks since there are so many around. No doubt stepping up to a 500, 600 or 700+ is the quickest way to better performance, but the smaller machines deserve a chance as well!

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Jet A-1]

Just a short update.

As stated earlier, I drilled several holes in the air box cover and installed a UNI filter. I have noticed a definate improvement in performance. It pulls better on the top end and seems to have a little more grunt under load down low. In the cold it seems to run better as well. Previously, at WOT or at least in the upper RPM's it seemed to ice up or something in very cold conditions (intermitent "spudder"), but that doesn't happen anymore.

Overall the two mods made it a better quad in my opinion.

Maybe an aftermarket exhaust and a front driveshaft disconnect could make further improvements. $$$$$$ We'll see.......

 

[clutch]

I am glad that the air box mod worked for you. I am sure that a pipe will help also, just remember that you will need to go up one size on the pilot jet and one or two sizes on the main jet to take advantage of a pipe.

The front drive line disconnect really wont give you any more performance as the front differential and u joints are all still turning and taking power. It will steer a little better on a hard surface.