Help comparing 2011 M8 to M1000

[CRF230LKEL]

Looking to buy a 2011, would be with a 162 track.
Cannot find real world weights, how much lighter is the M8?
How much lighter is the snopro model, from the conventional spring suspension model in the M8? Yes I know the M1000 is snopro only, butif I go M8 am trying to choose which model to buy.
Are the snopro model airshocks less prone to the rear end sag on my current M sleds when riding rough sections?
What are the best made venting sidepanels out now to help keep the clutches cool, and yet snow out?
Lastly, what Cat dealers in BC really care about the customers, and not just the sale, and sell their sleds properly set up, and if its a problem are best for helping......I would pay more to a good dealer, than less to a poor dealer.
Thanks

 

[tmo1620]

Right from cat: 11 m8 153 470lbs, snopro 467lbs, 162.7hp
11 m8 162 473lbs, snopro 470lbs, 162.7hp
11 m1000 162 snopro 495lbs, 162hp
All the m8 numbers were on my spec sheet that came with my 11 m8 and the m1000 number was right from the dealer. I was trying to decide too but I made my decision on the 11 m8:d

 

[pacian]

M8 162 hp
M1000 162hp ???????!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[2manykids]

M8 162 hp
M1000 162hp ???????!!!!!!!!!!!!

torque will be different

 

[CRF230LKEL]

Right from cat: 11 m8 153 470lbs, snopro 467lbs, 162.7hp
11 m8 162 473lbs, snopro 470lbs, 162.7hp
11 m1000 162 snopro 495lbs, 162hp
All the m8 numbers were on my spec sheet that came with my 11 m8 and the m1000 number was right from the dealer. I was trying to decide too but I made my decision on the 11 m8:d

Thank you.

 

[Slammer85]

Put a y pipe, pipe, can, fuel controller, and airbox on the 1000 and your lookin at 190 horse and a bunch more torque than the 800.

 

[SledMamma]

I rode both a 2011 M8 (my new sponsored sled from T&T Powersports) and a 2010 M1000 (my brother bought one from them) on Sunday. The power is totally different. The M1000 is like a big smooth cadillac and the M8 is rippy and zippy. I think they both have their merits.

With very little money into it, the M1000 has alot of potential!! I'm thinking one more season on an M8 and I will be upgrading to the Cadillac We'll see...

 

[glengine]

Lino's sales in burns lake BC is a good cat dealer to deal with in BC. Sens me a PM and i can give you all there contact info. I ride an '08 M1000 and absolutely love it. If a person don't ride flatland at all there is stuff that can be done to make them rev quick. I think mine revs easily as quick as an '09 M8 if not as quick as an '10 or 11 M8. And it's cheap to make them rev really quick and be really snappy and i have some clutching stuff for both of them that make them night and day better. Pm me or call the shop for more info.

 

[CRF230LKEL]

Thanks everyone, good responses, and muchly appreciated.