2004 800 Edge - Should I switch to non-Ves Cylinders?

[Lake Cle Elum]

So, my 2004 broke an exhaust valve, piston comes up, hits it and breaks the piston. Dead in the water. 11 mile tow up an icy ridge to get back to the house....Rod looks OK, but who knows, probably better send the crank out to be sure?

So, since I have one ruined cylinder anyhow, I'm thinking about finding a pair of non-Ves cylinders so I don't have to worry about this again? Who's done it and were you happy? Will my old head work? Old cylinders are not coated, so can be bored and honed, right?

On another note, the engine in my 1999 RMK 700 is bullet proof and looks the same. Can I just install it? My even transfer my electric starter and Perc system? Any experience on that? Thanks.....

 

[freak58trio]

The motor swap is an easy swap.

 

[Angermangement890]

Contact Indy Dan, he can fix you up on the crank work and he is a FIRM believer in the non valved engines. He can set you up with a complete engine package that will shock most VES engine owners.

 

[prox700cc]

the same thing happened to my 04 700 last weekend 550.00 and back up and running needed cylinder and piston. did yours sieze right away at high rpm?

 

[Lake Cle Elum]

the same thing happened to my 04 700 last weekend 550.00 and back up and running needed cylinder and piston. did yours sieze right away at high rpm?

Mine seized with zero notice while heading uphill on a logging road under light throttle. After it cooled a minute or two, it would pull over with the rope and I started it....It was just barely starting to run, when the engine locked up solid with a loud clang........So, you didn't worry about rod or bearing and yours is running good again? Did you put the stainless exhaust valves in? They cost like $85 each.......Thanks much......

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

If you need one I have a brand new 2000-01 non-ves cylinder still in the polaris box..will make you a good deal on it....

 

[devilrmk]

The Non Ves isn't going to have the low end snap that the VES does, otherwise no different really.

 

[sodfarmer]

IIRC when Indy Dan was testing his torque master bottom end he built a motor for Golden West who is a member on here and a guide in West Yellowstone. He built the motor with non VES cylinders. If it were me if the rod bearing felt good I would put non ves cylinders on it and run it and hope for the best.

 

[agurdo17]

there was an upgraded part to stop that from happening. they r stainless steel. get a new jug and slap the stainless valves in and you will be all set.

 

[OldRMK800]

I too would think fixing one cylinder/exchanging it and getting the stainless valves would be cheaper and better performing than 2 cylinders

 

[Lake Cle Elum]

I too would think fixing one cylinder/exchanging it and getting the stainless valves would be cheaper and better performing than 2 cylinders

I hear ya....It's more about making sure this never happens again than the total cost.....Cost is about a wash. I buy one cylinder/piston and then 2 stainless steel valves at $85 each and it's about the same cost as buying 2 Non-Ves cylinders and one piston? Then I could always sell my good Ves Cylinder too......

Regarding the lower end: There is probably not that much good riding left this year. I think I'll check the rod closely and run-out, and just do the top end for now.......Over the summer, do the crank and promote this sled to a backup. Then, buy something brand new for next year.....Only my 3rd tow out in 23 years of riding, but want it to be my last one....