AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
You've got questions? Cat's got you covered! Our online members grilled the engineering boys at Cat on the new '07 machines. Our members weren't holding anything back here, and neither were the engineers. We got so many questions and good responses that we weren't even close to having enough room to print them all, so check out the additional questions below!
SuspensionsQ.) The M series rear suspension has been updated and the geometry changed. What real world benefits will this have for mountain riders?
- AmSnow.com member MinnbobberA.) The geometry changes to the suspension arms in the skid frame control and improve track tensioning, allowing a fuller range of travel, while freeing up more horsepower. You also will notice an improved ride calibration especially in the roller G-bumps.
Engine talkQ.) Can you describe some of the testing which gave AC engineers the confidence they needed that the 800cc and 1000cc engines will be reliable? I am strongly considering an '07 800 if I don't buy another '06 700 EFI. What design characteristics make the 800 a better engine than the 700 EFI?
- Todd Kuss, Chaska, Minn.A.) Any engine we produce has a minimum of 3 years of development and testing in it. If you think about it, when the Firecat motors were introduced, we had already started developing the new 2007 motors. There are many types of testing each engine goes through:
1. 50,000+ miles of on-snow testing at both high and low altitudes.
2. Countless hours of water tank testing where the engines are run at all rpm ranges.
3. Endless hours and miles of extreme heat testing on asphalt during the summer.
4. In 3 years of development on the 800, over 3,000 documented dyno runs took place at Arctic Cat alone. (Not counting test runs at Suzuki.)
Q.) Will both the '07 800 and 1000 have DET with a pipe sensor? There seems to be a lot of misleading info on this subject.
- AmSnow.com member Flasch192A.) The 800 and 1000 both have a pipe sensor. The 800 will have an additional knock sensor.
2007 vs. 2006800 vs. 700 at wide-open throttle-6 percent more torque and 9 percent less fuel consumption
800 vs. 700 at 6,000 rpm
-26 percent more torque and 11 percent less fuel consumption
Additional Web only questionsQ.) Will a T-Cat engine fit in the new chassis? (Sorry, just had to ask.)
- AmSnow.com member ClarkyA.) We don't know, we didn't design an all new Twin Spar chassis for an engine we haven't produced in 5 years. If you get the triple pipes to fit, give us a call.
Q.) Could you please explain your advertised horsepower figures for the new 800 and 1000 motors, as both figures seem low. Is Arctic Cat trying to be totally honest with figures that all production motors will have? Will the production sleds actually have more horsepower than advertised? How will the horsepower compare to the Ski-Doo 800 and 1000 motors?
- AmSnow.com member MinnbobberA.) The horsepower numbers seem low compared to past years for a variety of reasons. It all depends on the dyno and dyno run procedure, and many other variables. The 2007 ratings are an average day-to-day horsepower number. If a higher number is what you are looking for, you will probably find that on a different form of dyno run. We seldom see the higher numbers the aftermarket guys record because of their different dyno procedures. The competition's 800 and 1000 may be printed higher, but we aren't worried about losing anything to them. Consumers need to realize that there is more to an engine's capabilities than a hp rating on a dyno. Arctic Cat packages our chassis, clutching and the rest of the components to run the most efficient at these hp ratings.
Q.) Will both the '07 800 and 1000 have DET with a pipe sensor? There seems to be a lot of misleading info on this subject.
- AmSnow.com member Flasch192A.) The 800 and 1000 both have a pipe sensor. The 800 will have an additional knock sensor.
Q.) There is some confusion regarding the exact specs of the new 800 motor. Is it just a bored 700 motor with dual sparkplugs, or are there other differences?
- AmSnow.com member MinnbobberA.) The 2007 800 engine is an all-new engine. The laydown design is somewhat similar to the 700, but it has all new cylinders, crankcase, recoil, head, etc. The dual plugs on the 800 and 1000 engines fire both plugs in a given cylinder at the same time based on the ignition timing advance that Arctic Cat has mapped. But each cylinder fires its respective plugs individually from the other cylinder. All other engines Arctic Cat has used fire both cylinders' plugs at the same time.
Customize your catQ.) Please, please, please... paint, powder-coat or anodize the silver center beam on the Sno Pro F sleds the same color as the bodywork. That silver slash down the middle gives the sleds a disjointed look, and adds greatly to the "ant eater" appearance so many find objectionable. I have a black F1000 Sno Pro ordered, and don't want to paint it myself, but will if I have to. Is the Jag section any different?
- AmSnow.com member ClarkyA.) That's a personal preference. The coolest part of the new Fs and Z1 Jaguars is that all body panels are interchangeable so you can make your own color combos. If you want an all black F1000 Sno Pro, I would suggest buying the black spar panel from the Jaguar.
Fuel tanksQ.) I think Cat has done a great job with the new Jaguar, however I did not spring snowcheck one because of the small gas tank. Is there any chance that this tank capacity will be increased?
- AmSnow.com member Paul JernbergA.) You should think of the fuel tank capacity as "fuel range." The Jaguar should give you about 100-150 miles of range depending how you ride. Normal trail riding during testing has given us these results consistently. If we add more capacity, it would mean using a different seat design, leaving you without the great 7-position adjustable seat which you'll really find comfortable and less fatiguing on those long rides.
Old sled updatesQ.) Will we be able to get reverse for '04, '05, '06 Arctic Cat Diamond Drive sleds? P.S. I think the new sleds are going to kick the competition's butt.
- Rob Rogers, Wiscasset, MaineA.) The ACT reverse system will not adapt easily to the '04-'06 model year machines. There are fitment issues within the chassis, and even more issues with the chassis controller (electrical) system. Currently we don't have a plug-and-play kit that you can easily drop into the sled.
Track swapQ.) While I appreciate Arctic Cat having a "track swap" program for the F-sleds, and I have told my dealer to order me the optional 1.25-inch Ripsaw, I'm curious as to why it couldn't have been done as an option at the factory. Arctic Cat had a track option on the Firecats in 2004 and one or two other manufacturers still have optional tracks available if you spring order.
- AmSnow.com member nm3A.) We have found it easier to give you the choice through the dealer. It's very difficult to build small sled run numbers of many different variations. It just isn't a cost effective choice for Arctic Cat or the consumer. Maybe other OEMs will follow us? All Jaguars (early build and production) are 121 inches, while all other 2007 F-Sleds are 128 inches.