Best options for power gains

[emericaskate63]

I have a 2008 LTZ and want to get more power what should I do? I don't really want to do a big bore but if i did what would I need to do for a 440 or 434? But my real question is what should I do cams, port/polish, bigger carb for more stock engine power? Suggestions will help about to start build.

[sd1]

what mods do you have now?

[beaverclever02]

You could search it. There is so many threads about this. You will get dozens of answers and none the same. You really have to pin point what area you want to improve. Suspension is always overlooked, you need it to go faster keep that in mind.

[rcfan]

Stroke it before the big bore!

[atv4life95]

First, before anything, get a manual cam chain tensioner so you don't wreck your timing chain. Secondly, get a good intake that seals the air box well so no unfiltered air can get past, to prevent valvetrain failure. After those two, work your way into some head work. Cams, valves, port and polish, etc. They're all good. Before you do a big bore, make sure the engine can breath well. You wouldn't want to waste all that time and money on something that won't perform as well as an engine with simpler mods to just get the engine breathing better.

[emericaskate63]

what mods do you have now?

None other than a 15 tooth sprocket in front, moose racing filter.

[biggiej42]

15 tooth will slow you down, unless you're going for top speed.

Use the search function, there's countless threads on this and all will tell you the same thing.

Carb/intake/FULL exhaust/drze basegasket......big bore/stroker/headwork/cams

[emericaskate63]

I know I had a 13 in the front and took it off, wanted more speed at the dunes.

[emericaskate63]

what carb should I get fcr39 or 40? Engine mainly stock, if i do a big bore it will be down the road.

[CFM-Z440]

If I were you, assuming that you're stock, first buy a good full exhaust system ( a header and silencer, slip on's are just noise makers) Pull the lid off the air box, get an FCR 39 and a 400EX intake boot, change over to a clamp on style filter, and see if that's enough, or if you have budget for more. Everything to this point is easily reversible, and not crazy expensive depending on which exhaust you get.

If you want and can afford more, now it's decision making time. Are you going big bore or not? Do you want low end power? High end power? Mid power? The first thing that should be addressed at this point is valvetrain. Bigger cams and a rev box will help you out, but not until you put valves, valve springs, and a timing chain in it that can handle it. Also since you're going into the engine, it's a good time for a DRZ kit and a manual cam chain tensioner.

Cam choice will depend on a combination of where in the rpm range, you want your engine to have the most power, and how many cc's, and what compression your engine will be. Porting can be a good thing at this point also, but it too depends on what you are building.

[thacker400]

if you have a budget and want the best gain for the money I would start with a properly jetted FCR carb. intake boot is a descent gain and cheap if you buy it used. a full exhaust will also make a world of difference. those will give you the biggest gains

heads will usually eventually fail bacause of cupped valves. so if you have to go into the motor i would replace the valves with kibblewhite and buy some DRZ valve springs because the stockers are notorious for being weak. also a cam would be a good gain as well and you can usually pick up some hot cams used for a reasonable price. if you pull the head and cylinder i would also replace the rings atleast and use a drz base gasket for the added compression. The list goes on but for the money i would

get

1. FCR carb ( just bought a used sudco for $100 )( jet kit about $70)
2.full exhaust system ( 08 Suzuki LTZ400 LTZ KFX DVX Z400 400 DG Xcelerator Full Exhaust System #24 | eBay)
3.400ex intake boot ( used around 25 on ebay )

about $500 will gain you alot of power if you use it on the right parts.