Newbie question. Altitude: EFI and clutch mods

[Barkle]

Howdy folks!- I don't yet own a Polaris but plan to get a late-model 550 with power steering right after hunting season. I just sold my '03 Honda Rincon to help fund the purchase.

I go to Colorado every summer and routinely ride above 10,000'. (Sometimes as high as 13,000'). Questions: Does a Polaris EFI motor REALLY need any remapping done? Also, I've read a few threads about changing the clutch springs. Are both of these Do-It-Yourself projects? How long do they take to accomplish?

Because my riding in Texas is at 500' to 3,000' I don't want to have to do this stuff unless necessary.

Thanks!

Barkle

[Bruce!]

Welcome to the board! Should be good to go!

[jrp]

My summer home is in Colorado at 8200 ft and I ride all summer from 10,000 to 13,000 ft. The EFI has no problem adjusting for the altitude. Whether a clutch kit may help depends more on personal preference, how you ride it, how you load it, how you like the power band to perform, and whether you up-size the stock tires. My first summer in CO with a new 850 XP was all stock and it performed well. Because I'm a big guy and do a lot of slow/rough/steep hill climbing, I did install a clutch kit for the 2nd summer in Co (when I also upgraded the tires). It took me about 2 hours to install the clutch kit (weights & springs). On my 2010 850 XP the hardest part was gaining access to the clutch, which is now under the rear end.
I was happy with the results of the EPI clutch kit for my specific preferences & riding style, but I wouldn't say its needed for everyone just because of the altitude.
I have since changed to a Dalton clutch kit, since its variable weights allow me to more easily change back & forth from 13,000 ft steep/rocky mountain goat trail summer riding, to 3,000 ft winter desert/sand riding conditions.

[Barkle]

Mil gracias, JRP! I am more of a beer-swizzling tourist than a hard-corps MXer when I'm messing around in Colorado. You know, ride 10 minutes, stop, drink a beverage, take some pics, and motor on.

Sounds like the stock EFI will do the job and the clutch will just have to take some relatively minor suffering while I muddle along up there. (If it ain't broke, don't fix it).

Rgds,

Barkle