Side Vent install and ski question: Newbie

[bru_nel]

I have an '08 M1000 Sno Pro 153" with full SLP exhaust and intake, Boondocker controller and clutch kit installed. I'm looking to put on side vents but was wondering... do I drill the vent holes through the insulator/ heat deflector pads on the inside of the panel or just remove them???

Secondly I was wondering if there is any point in going from stock to an aftermarket ski? ie Sly Dogs or Simmons etc.

This is my second season mountain riding and hadn't flat landed since the early 90's! So any advice would be appreciated

 

[joekikass]

Just remove the pad, mark out and drill your pattern and for skis I couldn't tell you I've got stock

 

[bru_nel]

thanks!

Anyone have some input about the skis? I'm a 250 lb rider plus gear and am looking for more floatation. I should be riding a 163" but I'm not.

 

[teddybear26x]

I'm about 300lbs with gear. I ride an 08 m1000 162". Last year I rode it with stock ski's. They were alright. Nothing special. This year I dumped the stock intake system so I lost some weight up front as well as got some sly dog 8" powder hounds with the 6" stud boy wear bars. I'm waiting for a little bit more snow on the ground before I put the new ski's on. SO, i know it's no help to you now but I will let you know in about 2 weeks how well they turn out. From the looks of them, there is going to be a huge night and day difference. Going to mount them on the inside ski stance as well so I can still put it on edge with ease.
Let you know when I do.

 

[Modman]

I have an '08 M1000 Sno Pro 153" with full SLP exhaust and intake, Boondocker controller and clutch kit installed. I'm looking to put on side vents but was wondering... do I drill the vent holes through the insulator/ heat deflector pads on the inside of the panel or just remove them???

Secondly I was wondering if there is any point in going from stock to an aftermarket ski? ie Sly Dogs or Simmons etc.

This is my second season mountain riding and hadn't flat landed since the early 90's! So any advice would be appreciated

Take the heat shields out, you are drilling the holes and installing vents to help eliminate heat, the shields just help hold it in. Not sure which vent kit you are using, but most of them have about 1" around the outside, and then some supports in the middle. The AC panels have some ribs on the back that you can follow that are pretty close to the same width. A drywall bit in a dremel works really good for cutting plastic. Practice on a spare piece first cuz it will pull in the rotation direction. If you follow along the ribs it gives a nice clean straight cut.

 

[buckie]

im 260-270lbs and the powder hound skis on mine are way better than stock IMO keep ya up a fair bit more

 

[bru_nel]

Those the 7 or 8 inch powder hounds? I would think that the 8" look pretty big on the front end

 

[bru_nel]

Take the heat shields out, you are drilling the holes and installing vents to help eliminate heat, the shields just help hold it in. Not sure which vent kit you are using, but most of them have about 1" around the outside, and then some supports in the middle. The AC panels have some ribs on the back that you can follow that are pretty close to the same width. A drywall bit in a dremel works really good for cutting plastic. Practice on a spare piece first cuz it will pull in the rotation direction. If you follow along the ribs it gives a nice clean straight cut.

I just picked up the mesh ones from Arctic Cat and are quite flimsy. The directions suggest to just use a hole saw to provide as much venting as you wish. I think I'll follow the directions. These ones don't have any micro mesh on the clutch side to keep the fine snow out. I would assume that this is ok since its a cat product but not really sure.

Thanks for your help

 

[Denovelvet]

I have an '06 M7 that came with Simmons Gen 1 skiis. They worked ok on the trails (making your way to the good stuff) and soft stuff, however when the snow sets up in the spring they really don't work very well. Sticking to a single keel ski like the stock ones is the way to go. Or if your wealthy and like to spend lots of money for very little (if any) difference, SLP makes a Powder Pro and the Sly Dogs are both comparable. I'm on my third type and am back on stock skiis currently because they do work. Good luck, safe riding, and see you out there!!!

 

[moyiesledhead]

SLP Powder Pros on my M1000. Love 'em!

 

[crossfire879]

Powder pros on my m8. Really like them. Good flotation and they don't put up a fight to steer them.

 

[joekikass]

I just picked up the mesh ones from Arctic Cat and are quite flimsy. The directions suggest to just use a hole saw to provide as much venting as you wish. I think I'll follow the directions. These ones don't have any micro mesh on the clutch side to keep the fine snow out. I would assume that this is ok since its a cat product but not really sure.

Thanks for your help

Make sure the clutch side has the micro mesh you do not want any fine snow on your belt

 

[bru_nel]

Thanks for all of your help fellas!!

 

[crossfire879]

Also be careful if you roll your sled over. Last year I got stuck on a hill as just rolled my sled like I always do and my can melted a nice hole in my vent panel. It vents really well now lol.

 

[sc800]

I run 8" sly dogs on my 09 M1000. Love this ski, I noticed a huge difference in steering on the trail up and down the mountain and flotation is excellent. I am 235lbs no gear. Highly recommend this ski upgrade!