Mountain Cat vs Powder Special

[97exc]

How do these designs compare against each other? I need to get a backup/learner sled. They are selling for similar pricing, the 01 MCs maybe a couple hundred more. This sled would be ridden about 50% on trail, 50% off.

 

[Idcatman3]

Kinda depends on which powder special you're talking about. From '98-2000, they are real close to the same chassis as the '01-'02 Mountain Cats. The plastic is different, and there is a very slight drop and roll on the chaincase on the MCs. I think it's worth a couple hundred bucks anyway. Plus they've got a little more power through the midrange due to the powervalves. I assume you're talking 600s, since that's the only motor that's common between the two.

Short answer, I think it's worth a bit more to have the newer sled.

 

[snowdingo]

I agree, if the price difference is only a couple of hundred dollars I would lean towards the newer mountaincats. The 98-2000 powder specials are pretty much the same sled with the older motors and older style tunnels (and I think the 2000 PS had a really similar tunnel).

However, when dealing with sleds of this vintage condition is important. A few problems to fix and you're doubling your cost! I would take a mint powder special over a thrashed mountaincat. Check out a few of the sleds before making your decision.

 

[97exc]

Thanks for the input. Yeah I should've clarified it was the 98-00 Powder Specials. The 600 would be the most direct comparison. I'm guessing the 800 MC is superior to the PS 700 in most aspects. Are the Mountain Cats too "mountain" oriented to be good trail riders? I would need a good all around sled in this case.

 

[Idcatman3]

The MC 800 is not just superior to the PS 700 in most respects, it is superior in ALL respects. Much much better motor, plus the chassis upgrades.

I think they would make very good crossover sleds. If you were to compare them to something current, that's what they would be.

 

[snowdingo]

Stick to the shorter track lengths and you'll have no problems. The PS only came in 136 and the mountaincats came with either a 136 or 144. These tracks will be fine for the trail.

The 800 MC is MUCH better than the 700 PS. The 700 was low on power even when it was new! For durability though, the 600 motors in either PS or MC form are awesome. A lot of the 800s out there have been ridden hard.

 

[Idcatman3]

If you can find an 800, I'd probably take it if it's not in too bad shape. There are lots of parts for them, and it's an awesome motor. They did beef up the crank in '02, but it's not a huge problem on the '01s.

 

[Rixster]

The tunnel design is totally different and worth every penny to get the newer tunnel design. The tunnel on the 98-00 powder specials made them TERRIBLE in the powder.

 

[firecat99]

I got a 98 ZR LE and dropped a 720 big bore i got really cheap, but i bought a mc 144 tunnel to make it a awesome trail and deep snow sled, and the only reason iam doing the tunnel change is cause i hate the look of the stock tunnel with the extention, but i have all the ajustable shocks and those goodies for good trail banging