Originally posted by JLeosnow@Jan 7 2003, 08:03 PM
Stock gearing on a F7 is 22/41. AC claims to change gears to 20/39 for 5000+ ft. How much does this really change your gear ratio since when gearing down, both upper and lower gears are 2 teeth less than the stock gearing?? I don't really understand how the end result of this gear change would be all that benifical...... can someone explain?? Thanks!
-John
As the earlier post said, you're moving from a 1.86 to 1.95. It effectively lowers the starting ratio which is helpful to prolong belt wear by keeping slippage to a minimum while stopping/starting and pulling though deep snow.
Here's why:
When riding at elevation the motor losses power(3% per 1000ft). This has to be compensated with lighter weights. Lighter weights also produce less belt "squeeze". Less squeeze=more slippage. Slippage=heat. Heat=burned belts. Burned belts=$$$
So in effect, the sled makes less power, lighter weights produce less engagement pressure on the belt, and to make matters worse, the sled has to auger through deep snow. No wonder why flatlanders burn up belts in the steep and deep. Gear down!!