summit 1000 any good?

[Garret_Volden]

I have been looking into a 2005 summit 1000. I found a couple with fairly low miles and one is a 2005 with a new crate motor in it.

Apparently it was a warranty replace. Any input on if this is a reliable sled or should i just get a 800 and call it a day.

thanks,
Garret

 

[renotay]

I ride with a guy who bought them when they were first out and thought it would be the best sled ever... he has had at least 2 of them that i know of and has had nothing but problems, from what ive seen id just go with an 800.

 

[Donner Summit800]

Although 800 is a smaller number than 1000, the 800 is worlds better in pretty much every category... There are thousands of Greathundreds, but not many for sale, funny how that works

 

[datmony]

If you go on Dootalk there is a TON of info, especially see the posts by Lund, on the 1000 and what it takes to make them run as they should. I am currently building one with all of the tips and tricks that the folks over on Dootalk have figured out for them. You have to want to do some wrenching though. If you just want something that you can pull and go, do not buy one. I am looking forward to having mine put together because once it is done I think it will be pretty darn sweet. Those who have got them running right love them. Here are some key things you will have to do but this is not an exhaustive list.

1. Update Wiring and Grounds
2. Update Mapping to 07 Mid Level Mapping (depending on your elevation of course)
3. Update the fuel pump
4. Run Pods or Timbersled airbox
5. Delete the rear cooler
6. Install a XP thermostat

There are a few other items out there too that should be done but that will give you an idea. Be very careful buying a used one with a motor that you cannot prove the life of. They had a really bad issue of pulling in belt dust, having it go right to the bottom end of the motor and toast the crank bearings.

The one that I bought used had exactly this happen to it so I am putting in a new long block as we speak. Once it is done though it should rip.

One key note is that it would help to have familiarity with how fuel injection works. I have spent the last couple years learning it in detail for a Jeep CJ that I am rebuilding so that took away a lot of the fear factor for me.

Hope this helps.

 

[turboless terry]

I bought an 05 1000 and it was the biggest pos I ever had. They are only 8 pounds lighter than an apex. Skidoo was claiming they would be 29 or 36 pounds heavier than an 800. That was the biggest lie I ever seen. I had a friend who had an 06 and it ran good. IMO I would buy an 800. You can make them run better and they are way lighter.

 

[jacmmaxwell]

Pretty much nailed it there,

The mid altitude map is the best map for all altitudes up to 12,000... and the wiring upgrades are still not decided by many. I did them on my 1000 and there was no change what so ever. Also clutching from the factory is horrible, so add a clutch kit to the list of mods.

The 1000 is not for everyone, they do need a couple simple updates done to make them run good and remain reliable. But they are heavy, there are lots of ways to drop weight but in the end you'll have to spend some money.

Once setup they pull WAY harder than the 800's , but without big coin they are still heavier and getting them to out pull an 800 consistantly will require as much cost as a used well set up 800. If I only rode above the tree line I would choose my 1000 over the others, but it's a pretty one sided sword. The 800 has less power but will be a more fun sled in the long run ...for most people.

 

[Donner Summit800]

Most people are most people. The Summit 1000 engine rips, as long as it has enough fuel and a clean intake tract. The choice depends on who you are: 1.The guy who wants to work on his sled a lot. 2.The guy who wants to ride his sled a lot. 3. The guy who can turn a limousine sharper than a subaru

Take the 1000 and drop 'er in a Pro Chassis... Now who's light and nimble?

PooDoo

 

[jacmmaxwell]

That would be my dream sled right now.. but you would have to figure out how to drop 40+ lbs from the 1000's motor since that is a large chunk of the weight that it caries over the 800's .

In all honesty they run great once setup, it's just that you have to take the time to do it. The weight is the number one down fall, the lightest I've seen a 1000 is about the same weight as bone stock 800 with a 162 but your talking thousands in lightweight parts.

 

[H20SKE]

I have a 05 1000---we have had our issues for sure. But as of this year I have it dialed in--several items for sure.

If it starts to act up--check your battery--even if the system is charging--make sure that battery is good. Check all your grounds yearly.
Lots of air--I tore out the factory air box in the outer panel--the throttle body air box got taken apart and cleaned then sealed with rtv at all seams then cut off the flare and added a huge foam air filter and K&N sock to stop the fine dirt and belt dust and snow. I have a huge membrane filter in stock location. a X cut in the clutch side for air flow with screen and another cut in the rear of the tower area with exhaust vents in the back of the housing behind the clutch with louvers in the top of the clutch sheild and 1.25 holes in the back of the belt sheild to exhaust any heat--then had Star Valley Ski-Doo in Thayne,WY do the clutchs and changed the secondary to a 06 roller clutch. I lost the front cooler to a crack--Doo welded it under warrenty but it cracked agian out of warrenty, but in low snow conditions she was really sensitive and had heating problems--so the rear cooler is back on her and no more issues. I installed snow eliminators and that was money very well spent. Of course I put a "THING" on it for a can. I did loose a motor at around 2200miles---due to--yes as previously mentioned--brake dust in the engine from the terrible air intake system from the factory---but the new engine really ran good and was covered under warrenty--I now have around 4500 miles on the machine and I have never been happier---also put the 011 summit ski's on her and really made her steer sweet and ride even better--trail manners are real nice--but pulling her over is a pleasure now and easier then any of my freinds XP's.

So it can be a good buy or a bad buy---it depends on what you really want---I like riding the 800's but none of them want to pull your arms out of your sockets when they hook up!! So it is all about choice--and I can turn as tight as any other sled out there!!

Good luck!!