Swapping in a newer Polaris 400, 500 ATV Engine - Pro's/ Con's

[wed4life]

If you could pick an engine to swap into a Max IV, what would it be.
I thinking Swapping in a newer Polaris 400, 500 ATV Engine, maybe 2 stroke, but I don't know if I would like that. Also, maybe getting one with water cooling.
Any ideas?
Thanks, David

[jpswift1]

There have been a handful of people that have thought about this, and none have ever done it because it's simply not worth the trouble, it would be too expensive and it wouldn't work as well as a big Kohler, Briggs, or Kawasaki. Save yourself the time and money and don't do it. Put your money toward a big V twin Briggs, Kohler or Kawasaki that I mentioned. And for a trail machine, you're not going to want a 2 stroke.

[Lantz]

What about an 3 cylinder engine out of a metro it would probably be a little tricky with the engine sitting over the transmission, that would give you plenty of power, If you could fit it in there.

[jpswift1]

What about an 3 cylinder engine out of a metro it would probably be a little tricky with the engine sitting over the transmission, that would give you plenty of power, If you could fit it in there.

That's actually been done by a few members here on the site. And Hydromike, has nearly his entire tall tire fleet powered by 3 and 4 cylinder Kubota gas and diesel engines. It takes some work, but it can be done.

[WMS]

I just finished putting a 500 Polaris watercooled 4 stroke in my Max IV. Best thing I've done to it. 34 HP at the crank stock(38 for a 500 H.O.), 6800 rpm rev limit, big torque, capability of 50 HP on pump gas. Seems like a no brainer.

[ARGOJIM]

WMS hows that seem so far? been thinking of similar with the new 825 engine in the gators, they are high revving high torque engines.

[MaxRules]

I am in the process of doing just that, installing a high output Polaris 500 from a Sportsman into a Max IV. I already have the donor 2004 Sportsman. I think it will be an excellent engine for the Max. I'm suprised someone has already completed this project. WMS - Do you have some pictures and/or video of your Max Polaris?

[CBass]

WMS That would be of great intrest to see pictures or your Max and how you did it.

[wildcard]

Well hell !!! I've been thinking about a motorcycle engine, but the stumbling block has been converting to the cvt. the atv engine with a cvt setup already makes perfect sense !

interested to hear how it preforms against what you had before !

I'm going to have to buy an engine anyways and im thinking depending on your performance experience I might be looking for a wrecker atv !

Thanks,
Scott

[wed4life]

Awesome guys. This is just the kind of info I am looking for. Please post some pictures and more conversion info on your set-up.
Regards,
David

[WMS]

I am brand new to the whole 6x6 thing but am having a blast. My Max just had a 16 HP Briggs and that got boring real fast. I am in the performance motorcycle business so I just went with what I know. Maybe not for everyone but I dig it. 16 Briggs went 18mph on flat ground, with the Polaris it has been 35 mph both with 22" tires. It will go a little faster but I don't care to. I hear of weak axles because of the 16 horse, I'll fab new ones as needed. I was worried about low end grunt, it has plenty!
Not sure how to post pics or video but I'm on it.

[dzg]

I don't have a ton if experience with the 4wheeler engines...but....I do have quite a bit in lawn mower engines....and I would have to say if I ever have to get rid of my 16 Briggs a big Kohler is going in its place. It depends on if you want speed or torque...speed I'd go with the polaris....torque its hard to beat a Kohler or Briggs V twin.

[wildcard]

I am brand new to the whole 6x6 thing but am having a blast. My Max just had a 16 HP Briggs and that got boring real fast. I am in the performance motorcycle business so I just went with what I know. Maybe not for everyone but I dig it. 16 Briggs went 18mph on flat ground, with the Polaris it has been 35 mph both with 22" tires. It will go a little faster but I don't care to. I hear of weak axles because of the 16 horse, I'll fab new ones as needed. I was worried about low end grunt, it has plenty!
Not sure how to post pics or video but I'm on it.

Thats awesome ! I wish I knew how to tell how to post a video !

My search has begun for a wrecked polaris with a good engine to replace the techumsi 16 horse single thats dead in my Max !

I too am brand new to 6x6 ,havent even riden in one yet , but hopefully soon this basket case max 4 will be rebuilt !

[WMS]

I put a few pics in the Max gallery of the Polaris engine in mock up then finished and with the engine cover on. I just need to put some expanded metal on the engine cover where I cut it for radiator clearance. Now I just need a set of 26" ASX's these boys are talking about! Anyone have a suggestion as to a good place to get some 12" rims?

[wildcard]

I put a few pics in the Max gallery of the Polaris engine in mock up then finished and with the engine cover on. I just need to put some expanded metal on the engine cover where I cut it for radiator clearance. Now I just need a set of 26" ASX's these boys are talking about! Anyone have a suggestion as to a good place to get some 12" rims?

Looks Like an awesome job WMS !!! cant wait to see a video of it in action !! do the polaris engines use rubber isolaters for mounts or did you have to fab up some engine mounts to bolt it to the frame ?

I'm almost convinced this is the engine direction I'm gonna go !

Thanks,
Scott