02 RMK 144" to either 151 or 159" ???? advice

[Joemt]

Hi

I want to extend my track and suspension.

If I go 151, I would use a SLP tunnel extension kit with rail extenders.

But I have no idea what to do to go 159" (would prefer 156 again don't know how to proceed).

If 159" what rails?????

Looking for advice here on the extension and the setup Track etc.

Thank you

 

[BB454]

extension

SLP makes kits for either one. depends on which track you have I guess.

 

[Andreas83]

Slp has a 144"-159" extension package with tunnel and rail extensions.
I would also consider buying a fully clipped track and some non slip drivers.
Makes a ton difference to be able to loosen the track more.

 

[sled_guy]

No, no, no... don't loosen the track. A lose track is slower than a tight track.

sled_guy

 

[Andreas83]

No, no, no... don't loosen the track. A lose track is slower than a tight track.

sled_guy

Do you care to explain?
My 162" vertical escape has about 5mph faster trackspeed during steep climbs with track hanging about 1 1/2" under the rails compared to polaris piano string spec. The track does not rub tunnel at all.
I know it might rob some top speed due to ballooning, but who cares. Its a mountainsled, not a lakerunner.

 

[sled_guy]

A loose track changes directions all the way around the suspension at different points, setting up "waves" if you will. This is most pronounced as it comes off the drivers and onto the rails. The track wants to keep going around with the drivers and the rails peel it off the drivers. You end up with a 'wave' between the too. If you run loose, that wave gets bigger and changing its direction takes more and more energy depending on how big it gets.

Same thing then propagates down the hifax. This is manifest by looking at a set of worn hifax, they are not worn the same all the way down. Some due to suspension/rail mounting, but other is due to the wave action.

On top of the suspension, where there is nothing but the rear idlers and the front rings the wave action is even worse. All of that direction change in those waves robs energy.

Now over tightening a track is not good either, but in general, putting extroverts on and then running a super loose track robs performance compared to a properly adjusted track without extroverts. I'm betting you have other things during the swap to the extroverts that helped you out.

sled_guy