Back country track swap on stock xtx

[gtxman4]

Hey guys, I'm looking at at upgrading the track on my 11' XTX. Its bone stock other then C&A Pro MTX ski's. I ride mostly back country now and the rip saw just isn't cutting it any more. My goal is to get more ski lift and and get the big girl stuck less. Is it true the only way to put the 1.75 BC in is to remove the tunnel and heat exchanger protectors? Someone said there are smaller drivers available to be make it work with out. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[radianguy]

Or you could notch the track! I chose to remove the tunnel protectors, if I had to do it again I'd probably notch the track.

 

[s1d3w1nd3r1480]

You can change to 7 or 8 tooth drivers (stock is 9) to provide clearance for the heat exchanger but it is like gearing down and looses efficiency making the track turn around a smaller drive surface. I just swapped my stock 11 XTX to a 1.75 BC track and dropped my top gear to a 20t. Front end comes up when I want and I loved it. This year I will be doing even more mods. As for the protectors I would just take then all off if all you do is backcountry anyways. In my opinion and personal experience all they did was hold snow and ice under the tunnel. Since removing I have significantly less ice buildup

 

[radianguy]

Not to get this off topic, but, I geared down to 20 tooth on top too, love it! I added a full hindle exhaust late last season and plan to add K&N filters with a PCV and auto tune this year. With the power adders could I or should I gear up? I was thinking 22/39??

 

[gtxman4]

Why would I loose efficiency? would it be like gearing down, or does it make a large difference doing it to the drivers rather then the gearing?

 

[jsnow]

By adding the 8 tooth drivers it makes the track have to turn around a tighter radius and also creates more of an approach angle for the track, that's what makes it less efficient.
If you don't plan on studding it, id just cut them out.

 

[gtxman4]

I gave no plans of ever studding. This thing has more than enough grip already on the trails. My buddy's just figured there was an easier option then cutting out all the protectors, but I'd rather do it right.

 

[jsnow]

Well don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with going with the 8 tooths, a buddy of mine has 8 tooth Whal Bros on his and he has no complaints... Just theoretically it is less efficient.

 

[revster]

I don't think you need to goto smaller drivers for a 1.75" track, the 9ts work well with that size lug. If you were going to a 2" or larger lug then it would make more sense. However... if you were looking at buying extro drivers and were going to spend the money anyways, you might want to consider it, would save you shaving the rails. (or does yours have the stock extro drivers? can't recall when they switched them.)

While you have the track and drivers out remove your tunnel protectors. It is not a big job at all and I would much rather do that then notch a new track. It's maybe a 3 beer job.

If you do stick with the stock 9T drivers drop one or two teeth on the top sprocket for the bigger track. If you goto 8Ts leave the gearing alone.

 

[revster]

Not to get this off topic, but, I geared down to 20 tooth on top too, love it! I added a full hindle exhaust late last season and plan to add K&N filters with a PCV and auto tune this year. With the power adders could I or should I gear up? I was thinking 22/39??

Leave the gearing if it is working. I have pretty much the same mods and I'm geared 19/39.

You may have to add some fly weight tho with the increase in HP