Setting a stock sled up for powder

[IchWarriorMkII]

So Im new here, been cruising the boards trying to learn everything I can. I tried the Crossfire in '06 and it wasn't near the sled I wanted. Im on a 08 M8 now, its about right for my riding style. It goes like I want it to go and turns like it should, but now Im wanting more...

It has a 141" track, its pretty nimble and manageable at my small size... but I know this is hindering my performance in the real deep powder/mountain riding. Unfortunately, I don't think we really get the snow to put a stop to the M8...(in my riding area)

What step do you, or would you take to prep a stock M8 for some serious powder riding, short of a track extension? Are there preferred ski mods, rear skid frame mods, and some motor mods?

I'm going to get some ice scratchers coming, on the trails my sled is getting warm... I hear rave reviews about the Simmons Flexi Ski, so I might grab some to see if it helps the trail handling (darting problems) and provide some noticeable gain off the trail.

Im really at a loss in the Motor mod department, never rode with any one who has preformed any mods and been able to ride or discuss their performance/drawbacks.

 

[APEXed West]

I ride with a group who have M6, 7's and 8's, and all of them have had to soften the suspensions in a BIG way, especially the ski suspension. This has helped the trail comfort as well as sidehilling. They are also having the darty ride on trails, my APEX is bad as well. The guys in our group are all switching to the Simmons Flexi-ski, Dragon and King Kat switched and boy what a difference. I would stick to the original on the M8, as they are so light, I am looking at the Gen II as the APEX is heavier.

 

[Cat Kid]

The M8 is good to go stock IMO. Ski's would be a good idea, maybe some clutch work, but I wouldn't mod anything else until you feel like the sled is lacking in some area. Tuning is free- play with the stuff thats free first and is you still can't get what you are after, then modify.