350x help

[three50x]

ok ive got a 1985 350x. i want to make it a better trail machine/ jumping machine. and i want it to look better as a whole. can you guys give me any modifications i can do to it so i can make it better in those areas? heres what it looks like now.

[6speedthumper]

Well, it looks like you have a decent set of tires on it. The RAZRs probably do well in the woods for you already. Do you have any performance mods? If it runs well (it's an X so I'm sure it does), I'd get a better exhaust on it, a K&N filter w/Outerwears, a 400ex carb (accel pump is a nice addition), and call it a day. Just those simple bolt on items will wake it up nicely! Anymore then that and you're looking into higher compression piston, cam, porting, etc... And, if the engine smokes any a 10.25:1 Wiseco will be a great addition. I believe Megacycle makes a drop in cam that works with the stock valve springs, and is supposed to be a power improvement throughout the rpm range. For me, that is not enough, but for others it's just right. Also, I personally wouldn't reuse the stock springs with any aftermarket cam. Even if it is supposed to work with stock springs. But, that's just me.

Now, for suspension, rebuilding the forks with OEM seals and a set of springs from Progressive Spring will make a world of difference over the stock equipment. That is really all you can do with the front end (as far as I'm aware of) without going with inverts, or swapping a 85-86 R front end in there. Oh, there is the "Gold Valve" that can be installed to help with dampening/rebound/fluid return. As for the rear shock, having it rebuilt with a better spring and the "Gold Valve" will yield the best results. Many members have swapped in complete rear ends from other Hondas to get better suspension action. I have not seen anyone run a more modern, longer travel, shock from another machine, using the stock X link and swinger. You are best to watch the build from ATVONDEMAND, because, for the life of me, I cannot remember who offers the "Gold Valve". Last thing I would do is install a wider rear axle, or, wheel spacers for added stability. I'm running the TUSK spacers, am 3.5" wider, and have do issues getting between the trees. But, on the cheap; rebuild forks w/progressive springs, adjust rear shock to your liking (or best you can do), widen the rear, and then look into some power adders.

Body wise, you can get new fenders from Maier, seat covers, fuel tank from Clarke, etc...

[three50x]

Well, it looks like you have a decent set of tires on it. The RAZRs probably do well in the woods for you already. Do you have any performance mods? If it runs well (it's an X so I'm sure it does), I'd get a better exhaust on it, a K&N filter w/Outerwears, a 400ex carb (accel pump is a nice addition), and call it a day. Just those simple bolt on items will wake it up nicely! Anymore then that and you're looking into higher compression piston, cam, porting, etc... And, if the engine smokes any a 10.25:1 Wiseco will be a great addition. I believe Megacycle makes a drop in cam that works with the stock valve springs, and is supposed to be a power improvement throughout the rpm range. For me, that is not enough, but for others it's just right. Also, I personally wouldn't reuse the stock springs with any aftermarket cam. Even if it is supposed to work with stock springs. But, that's just me.

Now, for suspension, rebuilding the forks with OEM seals and a set of springs from Progressive Spring will make a world of difference over the stock equipment. That is really all you can do with the front end (as far as I'm aware of) without going with inverts, or swapping a 85-86 R front end in there. Oh, there is the "Gold Valve" that can be installed to help with dampening/rebound/fluid return. As for the rear shock, having it rebuilt with a better spring and the "Gold Valve" will yield the best results. Many members have swapped in complete rear ends from other Hondas to get better suspension action. I have not seen anyone run a more modern, longer travel, shock from another machine, using the stock X link and swinger. You are best to watch the build from ATVONDEMAND, because, for the life of me, I cannot remember who offers the "Gold Valve". Last thing I would do is install a wider rear axle, or, wheel spacers for added stability. I'm running the TUSK spacers, am 3.5" wider, and have do issues getting between the trees. But, on the cheap; rebuild forks w/progressive springs, adjust rear shock to your liking (or best you can do), widen the rear, and then look into some power adders.

Body wise, you can get new fenders from Maier, seat covers, fuel tank from Clarke, etc...

thanks thumper. do u have any idea on price for all this? im looking at a small range of under 600$.

[6speedthumper]

You can make the $600 go a long way. A lot of guys have used the TRX450R WITH the HRC end cap with good results. I have not do it, so don't know everything about it. You can probably get a good used Supertrapp from a member, or ebay. I have a full Trapp and love it. The springs can be had under $80, and the fork seals aren't usually too badly priced. I just got OEM seals for the R forks on my X for $45 shipped. You will want the OEM seals, btw. Oh, the R forks do not fit without having the steering stem from the X swapped to the R triples, which is not a 15 minute job. I lucked out and bought a converted set. A 400ex carb can be had for %100 or less.

[BOB MARLIN]

High compression piston, good pipe, proper jetting and the right combo of fork oil weight and amount, made a world of difference on my 350x.