M8 Turbo Build Preparation Questions

[TheBreeze]

I am in the process of prepping my 2008 M8 153 for a turbo. The motor and chassis have 4500 miles. Looking for advise on what all should be done to prep the sled.

I currently have the motor out of the sled. It will be getting a new topend. I am also going to split the cases, true and weld the crank, install new seals, and inspect the DD. I also plan to lower compression from stock, as the sled will see a lot of low altitude use. I assume this will also be time time to put in some new reeds. What do you all recommend?

I will also likely be replacing the drivers, as one side is showing some wear that resulted from a bent set of rails running the track clips through at a slight angle. Should I replace with stock or is there a better option?

I have not settled on a turbo kit yet so I do not know if I will be running premix, or the stock oil system. If I drill the cases for premix, and decide to run the stock oiler, will this cause any issues?

What else should be on my list while I have this thing apart?

Better/stiffer motor mounts?

 

[Dano702]

Sounds like your on the right track , and yes put new oem reeds in . I double stacked M1000 reeds in mine . Oh and dont waste your cash on a pump gas kit , get the real one to start with .

 

[hatchers]

I am in the process of prepping my 2008 M8 153 for a turbo. The motor and chassis have 4500 miles. Looking for advise on what all should be done to prep the sled.
I have two years on a boosted 08 M8, one thing is for sure, im done with that old DD, the 09 and newer is much better, but it will be tuff to find one used at a good price. I finally going with the DD lite this year, its actually not that expensive when you think about. Then you can send you ECU to a dealer (RACINSTATION) and get the update so the sled acts just like a 09 or newer with a motor reverse. I love reverse and use it oftern

I currently have the motor out of the sled. It will be getting a new topend. I am also going to split the cases, true and weld the crank, install new seals, and inspect the DD. I also plan to lower compression from stock, as the sled will see a lot of low altitude use. I assume this will also be time time to put in some new reeds. What do you all recommend?
im sticking with the stock head, keeps the low end stonger. install double stacked M1000 reeds, i just pulled mine after 800 miles and they look new, and from the past, ive got a ton of TRD and other over priced reeds that did not work nearly as good as stock

I will also likely be replacing the drivers, as one side is showing some wear that resulted from a bent set of rails running the track clips through at a slight angle. Should I replace with stock or is there a better option?

The stock track wont work very well (actually it works like crap) i had a camo X 2.5 all last year and liked it, but it will dig a trench quick, so im going with the cat power claw this year

I have not settled on a turbo kit yet so I do not know if I will be running premix, or the stock oil system. If I drill the cases for premix, and decide to run the stock oiler, will this cause any issues?

no issues, on many sleds with many miles, no issues

What else should be on my list while I have this thing apart?

Better/stiffer motor mounts?

I think im the only guy to add an additional engine mount just behind the primary clutch, it was a pain in the butt and i had to hack up some bolts and angle iron to get it in there.....but when installed, the engine does not move during idle, without it vibrated like a tree

answers in red

 

[TheBreeze]

I do have a powerclaw for this next season. Are there aftermarket drivers that are a better option then stock?

Hatchers- Why are you done with the 08 DD? Did you have failures, or are you just looking for weight loss?

 

[backcountryislife]

I do have a powerclaw for this next season. Are there aftermarket drivers that are a better option then stock?

Hatchers- Why are you done with the 08 DD? Did you have failures, or are you just looking for weight loss?

The mech reverse DD is a ticking bomb imo. If I had the chance to get rid of it I would jump all over it.

 

[hatchers]

I do have a powerclaw for this next season. Are there aftermarket drivers that are a better option then stock?

Hatchers- Why are you done with the 08 DD? Did you have failures, or are you just looking for weight loss?

stock drivers are great, i dont know of any other or why someone would need one

the older DD has too many gears in too little of a space, its like stuffing 60lbs of sand in a 50lb bag

i did get about 600 miles on a 08 DD once, and much less the other times, if you inspect it every 200-400 miles you should be able to catch the planet gearset coming apart and that item is only $200......but after you do this a few times, its easy to see the non-mech reverse is cheaper in the long run

 

[bgreen776]

4500 miles? I'd replace the diamond drive, and keep it for a spare. But thats just me.

 

[TheBreeze]

Yep. 4500 miles. Had the case apart at about 3700 and all looked good still. I will be going through it this summer, and going from there. So most are running a BDX unit on the 08's?

 

[hatchers]

So most are running a BDX unit on the 08's?

Its complicated, this company BDX=Black Diamond Extreme makes the stock Diamond Drive Gearbox, for some reason Cat messed up and allows BDX to sell parts cheaper then Cat does. BDX makes a DD Lite to replace the problematic 08 DD, this DD lite is a solid 16lbs lighter on your sled, when you also remove stuff you dont need any longer

 

[j_w10]

drivers

look into avid drivers if you have to replace them anyway i run them on my t-nytro and there holdin up to 16 psi boost. lotta guys have good luck with them.

 

[ArcticJunkie]

what turbo are you planning on going with? I'm interested to know how things work out for you at the low elevation I've been hearing good and bad things about them down low cause I'd love to have one for here and out west just don't want it to be more of a pain than what its worth.
thanks

 

[Hi-Rise]

I would part out your current sled, your pretty much already there all you have to do is sell the ****. Then you take all the money you would have spent on a turbo and all the other crazy **** you need to run at sea level, and buy as much time as you can with Burandts Backcountry Adventures. You should have enough left to pick up a sweet AC crossfire 600 for ripping up da U.P. when Burandt is busy. Trust me I have lost of experience with this sort of thing.