who runs full tunnel guards?

[fourbarrel]

Those that stud their sleds,do you run the tunnel guards as well as the exchanger ones too? I started stocking up on my to do parts for the fall and have my studs and exchanger guards now but have the front hose protectors on the yet to buy list.My gut instinct tells me to get the tunnel protectors as well as I really don't want the tunnel chewed up but I also don't know how much it happens with these chassis' either.What's the general consensus?

 

[KnappAttack]

Using normal length studs they are not needed. Using long studs you would need them. Myself, I'm not a believer in long studs and never have been. A good pattern means more than sheer length of the studs. I use only the factory Cat protector on the rear exchanger only.

IMO anything you put on the exchanger will limit the cooling effect the exchanger has, so I'd prefer to leave them bare and let the snow and ice get to every bit of them you can rather than insulate them with a protector of some sort.

 

[fourbarrel]

Is there a difference between the Cat and Yamaha cooler guards?

 

[KnappAttack]

Is there a difference between the Cat and Yamaha cooler guards?

No.

 

[1nc 2000]

If your going to stud down the middle don't put the center protector in on the rear heat exchanger.

 

[Turboflash]

Using normal length studs they are not needed. Using long studs you would need them. Myself, I'm not a believer in long studs and never have been. A good pattern means more than sheer length of the studs. I use only the factory Cat protector on the rear exchanger only.

IMO anything you put on the exchanger will limit the cooling effect the exchanger has, so I'd prefer to leave them bare and let the snow and ice get to every bit of them you can rather than insulate them with a protector of some sort.

X2. IMO, if one runs proper track tension, protectors are not needed. IMO, if your studs hit exchangers, your track is too loose. I run 1.625" studs and they've never hit a thing in my tunnel. Over 6,000 miles now.