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600/800 Indy FAQ, Tips, Tricks, and Mods

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#1 · (Edited)
Welcome to the Polaris 550/600/800/850 Indy Thread
FAQ - Tips - Tricks - Mods

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Please contribute by continuing to ask questions and respond to posts in the Indy (Pro-Ride Chassis) - HCS Snowmobile Forums thread. If there is inaccurate information, please post below or send me a PM and advise what is incorrect. If you see topics that need to be added, post or PM.

Please share pics of your ride in the Indy (Pro-Ride) Picture Thread

550 Fan Users go read this: https://www.hardcoresledder.com/for...ms/252-polaris-general-discussion/1252138-how-increase-550-fan-reliability.html


Table of Contents:
  1. Manufacturer Specs, Manuals and Replacement Parts
  2. Resource Guide - Acronyms, Weights & Measures, Conversions, etc.
  3. Body (Accessories, Bumpers, Hand Guards, Mirrors, Seats, Storage, etc.)
  4. Electrical (DC, Headlight, Instrument Panel, Taillights, etc.)
  5. Engine (Cooling, Exhaust, Fuel, Intake, Oil, etc)
  6. Drive Train (Chain, Clutch, Track)
  7. Suspension (Front & Rear)
  8. Tunnel & Running boards
  9. Maintenance (Pre & Post Season)


Current Snow Coverage

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#2 · (Edited)
Manufacturer Specs, Manuals and Replacement Parts

Manufacturer Information (Spec Sheet):

550's:

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019


600's


800's / 850's


Manuals - Polaris ATV, Snowmobiles, RANGER, Victory (external link)
Please RTFM


OE Spare or Replacement Parts
Snowmobile Service Parts | Polaris Snowmobiles Store

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#3 · (Edited)
Resource Guide - Acronyms, Conversions, etc.

Acronyms
  • BFH - Persuasion tool
  • CDI - Common-rail Direct Injection
  • DET - Detonation Elimination Technology
  • FRSS - Front Rear Scissor Stop
  • IFS - Independent Front Suspension
  • MFD - Multi-Function Display
  • OE - Originally Equipped
  • OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
  • PERC - Polaris Electric Reverse Control
  • RRSS - Rear Rear Scissor Stop
  • RTFM - Read the F#cking Manual
  • TPS - Throttle Position Sensor
  • WTS - Water Temp Sensor

Weights & Measures
  • Gasoline = ~6.2 lbs/gal (5.8 - 6.6 lbs)
  • Water = ~8.34 lbs/gal
  • Antifreeze = ~9.41 lbs/gal (Polaris Concentrate)
  • VES Synthetic Oil = ~7.25 lbs/gal
  • Polaris Chain Case Oil = 7.13 lbs/gal

Polaris Estimated Dry Weight of 600/800 is 449 lbs (204 kg). Add in weight of the fluids:
  • Gasoline 11.5 gal x 6.2 lb/gal = 71.3 lbs
  • 50/50 Coolant 1.25 gal x ~9 lb/gal = 11.3 lbs
  • Oil 0.95 gal x 7.25 lb/gal = 6.9 lbs
  • Chain Oil 0.07 gal x 7.13 = 0.5 lbs
TOTAL = ~90 lbs fluids + ~449 Sled = ~539 lbs.


Units Conversion
  • 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters | 1 millimeter = 0.039370 inch
  • 1 mile = 1.609 kilometers | 1 kilometer = 0.621371 miles
  • 1 mile per hour = 1.609 kilometers per hour | 1 kilometer per hour = 0.621371 miles per hour
  • 1 gallon = 3.785 liters (=10.6 cold ones) | 1 liter = 0.264172 gallons
  • Square is Square
  • Round is round
  • Ratio of an igloo's circumference to its diameter = Eskimo Pi
  • 1 beard-inch = 29.4 days
  • 1 Donkey Power = 1/3 Horsepower (see Arctic Cat owner for more details)
  • Third Projection Angles:
  • Image
 
#4 · (Edited)
Body (Accessories, Bumpers, Handle Bars, Hand Guards, Mirrors, Seats, Storage, etc.)

Handle Bars & Risers


Mirrors
Some think they look bad, others think they look great. Either way you look at it, it is all about safety. Do yourself a favor, swallow your pride and put them on. That is your child or best friend behind you! http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1230050-mirrors.html

Installation Video: http://youtu.be/cRFLyTaVUSw

Note: You cannot have both Mirrors and hand-guards (unless really tall).


Seat


Storage


Windshield
You can go to Polaris.com and "Build" the sled to see what some different styles look like.

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#5 · (Edited)
Electrical (DC, Headlight, Instrument Panel, Taillights, etc.)

12 VOLT AND RCA PLUGS
Polaris Item # 2878475 - 12v accessory plug in 12-volt outlet, great for GPS or phone, dash mount
Polaris Item # 2878227 - RCA adapter (12V power to RCA) allows you to plug in a heated face shield
Polaris Item # 2878780 - RCA Power Plug includes all hardware required to add an RCA outlet
The only place you can get 12VDC power is on the 2-pin SAE quick disconnect connector, which can be found under the hood between the headlights.. You can purchase the mating connector at any auto parts store and others (Fleet Farm, Walmart, etc.) for ~$3.


Digital Interactive Display


GPS


Headlight


LED Tail Lights:


Starter - Electric Start:

Tether:
Polaris Item # 2874379 - Predator Tether Switch

 
#6 · (Edited)
Engine (Cooling, Exhaust, Fuel, Intake, Oil, etc)

Air Intake


Antifreeze / Coolant


Break-In Period
First tank with oil added to it (RTFM!). Vary the throttle / Do not cruise at a constant 30mph for the first tank! Don't be afraid to get on it hard for a few seconds at a time. Roller-Coaster the throttle.
http://www.hardcoresledder.com/foru....com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1290225-during-my-break.html#post13612497


Compression Test:
125 psi for 600/800. Results may vary from tester to tester. Cylinders should read the same.

Best practices:
- use a compression tester designed for small engines!
- remove both spark plugs (easier to pull over)
- hold throttle wide open when testing
- be sure key is off and kill switch engaged.
- 3 pulls is all it should take



Cooling / Running Temps
Running 121-125 degrees normal snow conditions. Up to 135 when light loose snow. Hard pack and will push 150 degrees. There are a few things you can do:
  • - Add Ice Scratchers
  • - Snow Flap Extension
  • - Simply drive in loose snow and get on the throttle to kick up some snow!
  • - If you are hitting >150 degrees, then check your coolant system. Burp the system and you may need to check the thermostat. Most likely have air in the system or the thermostat is installed incorrectly (it needs to be orientated correctly).
  • - Intall NORTHSTAR Performacne T-Stat Kit. (See below)
Sources:

Snow Flap Extension:

Scratchers
Dura Flex or Trail Blizzer's

T-Stat Kit:
PM northstarrick for details or look up NORTHSTAR PERFORMANCE N.H. On FACEBOOK. This kit can drop your temps as much as 25 degrees.
Details Post 1 | Details Post 2

Crankshaft


Exhaust
Please keep it quite. 2nd biggest complaint from people is dumbasses that keep BRAP BRAAAPing their loud pipes. (#1 is going off the trails). Keep that Sh!t for your private property & drag strip, and OFF the State/Grant-in-aid trails please.
Source: Local snowmobiling clubs

Threads:
Video: 2014 600 INdy MBRP Can


Fuel & Premium vs Ethanol and Settings
RTFM! It's all in there! Do NOT run Ethanol if you can avoid it! If you can afford a snowmobile, you can afford to purchase premium fuel.
Whenever using ethanol, MTBE or other forms of oxygenated gasolines, the fuel type designation setting must be changed to “ETH” in the gauge. When using the recommended 91 non-ethanol gasoline, always select the “91-NON” setting. It is safe and recommended to use Isopropyl with Non-Eth fuel - RTFM!

Threads:

Where to buy Ethanol-Free aka Non-Oxygenated (Non-Oxy) fuel:
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DET Mode


Filter


MPG


Horsepower / Torque Rating :dunno:
We don't exactly know how much power the 600 and 800 have. The 600 is somewhere between 110hp - 125hp and may vary from year-2-year and if you modified the pipe. The 800 is somewhere between 140hp - 150 hp. Google search resulted in some data to make a 600 Chart and 800 Chart.

Threads:

Increasing Horsepower

OIL :wall:
VES oil or other :dunno: IMO, just keep it simple and use the Polaris Engineered VES Synthetic 2-cycle Engine Oil (1 Gallon) - Item #2881017. If you plan to use a different oil, you may need to remove the tank and clean it as not all oils will mix with each other safely.

Threads:

MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheets (PDF's)

Vented Oil Cap
You will find hundreds of threads about the lack of venting the Polaris oil cap
has and how it has damaged engines. Short story - it is cheap to add a vent vs.
new engine. Here are a few to read:
Where to buy:

Video on how to bleed: https://youtu.be/mnQ9pVgIvfU
Why to vent: https://youtu.be/7gUJmsw-sVQ

Oil Pump



Programmer / Fuel Controller


Reed Valves


RPMs


Spark Plugs (NGK BPR9ES)
 
#7 · (Edited)
Drive Train (Chain, Clutch, Skid, Track)

Chain Case / Gearing
Chain Case Oil Maintenance (RTFM!)
Thread: http://www.hardcoresledder.com/foru...m/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1182481-changing-chaincase-oil-600-indy.html
Video: Removing Chain Chase Cover (Thanks ZEG)

Gearing
Threads:

MPH
- MPH based on Gear Ratio, 1:1 Clutch, 9 tooth Drive Sprocket, 2.52 Track Pitch

22:39 = 1.773 (800 OE)......99.9 MPH @ 8,250 RPM
22:40 = 1.818 (600 OE)......97.4 MPH @ 8,250 RPM
22:41 = 1.864...................95.0 MPH @ 8,250 RPM
21:40 = 1.905...................92.9 MPH @ 8,250 RPM
21:41 = 1.952...................90.7 MPH @ 8,250 RPM
(~1.2 MPH per +100 RPM)
​


Belt
OE: Polaris P/N: 3211115 - BELT-DRIVE,11.5CD,CVT

Spare Belt Holder

Clutch
Threads:
Video:

Clutch Kits:
Only one place to go - contact/PM Gabes for his kit.​


Max Speed


Slides


Skid
http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1446058-indy-skid-removal.html


Track
The biggest complaint is the OEM track that comes on the 600 Indy.
  • 600 Indy: 121x15 x 0.91 inch Shockwave
  • 600/800 Indy SP: 121x15x1.0 inch Hacksaw

Composit Talon Tracks:

Overall best improvement sounds to be the Camoplast 1.25" Ripsaw. Even the
reviews think so:

http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1529098-indy-600-tracks-options.html


BEWARE 1.75" Back Country http://www.hardcoresledder.com/foru.../forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1010825-clearance-issue-1-75-backcountry.html

Studded Track
http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1236121-stud-length-backers.html

Rear Axel
- If you are going to stud your track, you need to add a rear outer wheel idler kit: Rear Outer Wheel Kit | Polaris Snowmobiles Store

Maybe good to put the kit on anyways: http://www.hardcoresledder.com/foru...com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1288921-13-indy-600-rear-axle-snapped.html


Tunnel Protectors
- required if you stud your track.


Track Tension: (RTFM, Page 98)

Longer Track / Track Extensions
If you want to go longer and turn our Indy in to more like a Crossover (aka
Switchback):

128 Inch: 121" to 128" Extension Package, Package includes Track, Tracks USA
Rail Extensions with hardware to install (No Tunnel Extension needed).
Tracks USA 121" to 128" Track Extension Package from Tracks USA

136 Inch: 121" to 136" Extension Package, Package includes Track, Tracks USA
Rail Extensions and Tunnel Extension with hardware to install.
Tracks USA 121" to 136" Track Extension Package from Tracks USA

144 inch: 121" to 144" Extension Package from Tracks USA
for sale in Lake Lillian, MN | Tracks USA (320) 382-6128


Threads:

Indy Stretched
 
#8 · (Edited)
Suspension and Handling

A-Arms:


Limiter Strap (RTFM!)


Ski's and Carbides
Carbide aka Skags or Wearbars
600 OE PN: 2878820 KIT-SKAG 7/16X4in.60°X4 STUD | [PAIR]
600 SP / 800 SP OE PN: 2879025 KIT-SKAG 8MMX4in.60°X3 STUD | [PAIR]
Stud Boy Shaper bars are good choice


Shocks
Shock Length (C-C) = 17 3/8"

Torque Arm - Front and Rear


Torsion Spring
Adjusting Torsion Spring (RTFM!)

How to change torsion Spring


Suspension Adjustments

Bunke Racing Kit
Appears to be the ultimate Indy Kit - Polaris Indy Cross Country Racing Kit & Parts

Threads:

_
 
#9 · (Edited)
Tunnel & Running boards

Running Boards
The running boards do not have any holes in them and snow build up makes them slippery. There are a few things you can do:
  1. Drill out from bottom side up. Purchase dimple-die set.
  2. Put on snow cleats
  3. Other

Sources:

Braces
No Snow Brace: http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1402682-tunnel-supports.html
Contact: fastsleddr


Tunnel Extension & Protectors
See Track for now
 
#10 · (Edited)
Maintenance (Pre & Post-Season)

Pre-Season
The boat is in storage, you just got done watching the grass drags and decide to go picked up your sleds from storage...now what?

Thread: http://www.hardcoresledder.com/foru...dder.com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1173450-what-do-get-ready-season.html (thanks rabbi)

http://www.hardcoresledder.com/foru...r.com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1372761-changing-13-fuel-filter-spi.html

More to come / check list.
Also RTFM


Post-Season
Awww maaaaan...the season is over, no snow left to be found. What are the necessary steps to get my sled(s) ready for storage?

Great thread by ZEG that is WAY better than the Extended Storage section when you RTFM (pg ~107).

Threads:
http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/790370-foging-video.html
http://www.hardcoresledder.com/foru...rums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1389858-supporting-front-end-during-storage.html
http://www.hardcoresledder.com/foru...er.com/forums/552-indy-pro-ride-chassis/1393553-ready-storage.html#post14753473
 
R
#13 ·
I do like the idea of this thread - as linking to the detailed threads in one will save time finding info.

In my opinion the info from Camoplast does not help much in the tracks sections - as I would never consider the the original ripsaw as the ripsaw 2 is that much better (in many peoples opinions). The links to discussions on tracks is useful.

Also, while the manual is a great resource the discussion on track tension was more around tension vs. the location and speed of hyfax wear. Based on what was written I will watch my hyfax wear and loosen my track to see if I can slow the wear down if needed.
 
#15 ·
Hey man, I should have specified what I was saying wtf about... :wall:
There were like 5-6. Comments saying "place holder" and read the F$&@?! Manual.
That's all I was referring to.
Sorry man and thanks for taking the time to post all the info! :bc:
 
#16 ·
servocam, great thread!!
I do the same, keeping notes on pertinent threads.
I tend to find them scattered in different folders all over my laptop.
It's cool to have them all in one place.
( Is there a way we can contribute and have you categorize them in the appropriate post?)
Never mind, I just reread your first post.
 
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