We have only noticed overheating, climbing Long mountain hills(1500 feet and longer) Repeatedly on hot days.They will start spiiting coolant from the overflow hose on the front right shock or pipe and you can smell it,so we shut them down and let them cool off.
In tight technical trails with a 2 into 1 pipe,they will run hot after about 30 minutes of slow putting around on a 80+ degree day(depending on humidty).We let them cool down for about 20 minutes and they are good to go.They dont overheat with dual pipes so much.And On wide open trails and fire roads,they will not overheat,as they have alot of airflow going thru the radiators.
The changes made were these...From what we have gathered.
87-90 engines had a 1mm longer rod in them or a 1 mm variance in the factory specs....So we have heard...(We think this is why the older motors run harder.)We have also heard the jugs were ported different from the factory,but cant verify that.The cases in these years also had a provision for a speedometer.
The 87-90 Shee also had a 4 bolt carrier and a 4 bolt sprocket hub,which you can get a smaller rear sprocket on vs. the 91 and up Shee.(Better for drag racing as far as gearing selection goes)The 91 and up shee had a 2 bolt carrier design.
The 87-90 shee aslo came stock with a 42 tooth rear sprocket,the 91 and up ran a 41 tooth rear sprocket.
The 87-90 Shee ran a different frt caliper set-up,that uses Tri-Z brake pads and older Warrior front brake pads.
The 87-90 frames had no provisions for factory nerf bars.91 and up included factory floor boards and nerf bars.
87-90 Had a J arm front suspension(which steers much better than than the 91 and up Shee)and also wieghed about 40 pound less than the A-arm model Shee's.But the side effect was weaker front end,that would bend the J-arms on hard impacts.
Really,the only thing they changed,was the electrical plugs on them.I dont remember the year cut-offs,but they switched from round style electrical connectors to square connectors and so on.Later on,they added a brake light and some different cosmetics.
The 87-90 had a lower profile seat foam vs. 91 and up shee's.
But If you transfer the electrical system from them,the older engines will bolt in newer frames,but you must use the matching wire harness for that particular year electrical system.
My shee has a 93 chassis,with a 89 motor and wiring system and CDI box.The older motors,do run stronger than the later motors.My set-up smoked Mosh's with the older motor as far as lowend hit,but his 96 motor outpulled mine.They both were set-up Identical with the same jetting,porting and pipes.He could get me on the top end.
Around here,you can get a low hour 2000 and up shee for around 2 grand that is really clean and nice.Maybe even with pipes and tires added.
Just up the road there is a 98 that we can get for 1700,that is all stock and very clean.
I love mine,and you wont pry it from my dead hands.But Mosh and I take extreme care of it,and It has been completely reliable.There are some secrets to making them last longer with no problems.
Another thing we do like, is the rear bearings get about 4 years out of them vs. a Honda every year needing the carrier rebuilt.They are a pain to adjust the chain,but considering the rear bearing longevity,it is a fair trade off.
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Originally Posted by Mrs.moshman
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