Opinions on Arctic Cat 500 engines

[jroz]

I have been perusing the ads on here and have noticed a few AC 500 sleds. How are these engines, as far as power, top end, holeshot, midrange, and reliabilty? I know the Skidoo 500's are dogs, and would like an honest comparison.

 

[sabercat]

1)80hp standard.
2)105hp engine(has variable exhaust valves,etc).

They made 2 different 500 engines through 06. After that I think they just make the 80hp.
I think all models get the standard 80hp except the Firecat. A 06 or earlier F5 firecat rips!
The power to weight ratio is excellant compared to the later heavier lower hp models.

 

[toddspolaris]

I can't think of any skidoo 500 that was a dog, they are all dooooooosssss.

 

[ezra]

I thought olny the 03 and 04 f500 had the twin carb and powervalve.like saber sed thay were a erry fast 500 the 03 f5 could take a 03 zl600 on the lake.but I think a guy could get buyers remorse after a few rides on a 80hp sled with dimond drive

 

[t660redrocket]

the 500ss Doo is actually a carbed 600. All current cat 500's are total Dogs. Like Sabercat said 2006 and earlier the 500's had power valves and rip!

 

[jroz]

When I said 500 Skidoos were dogs, I was referring to the 499 they started using in the late 90's in the S2000 chassis. I am still a big fan of the 583 engine, even though they were a very tough start in below zero weather. I appreciate all opinions on the Cat 500's though. Thanks!!

 

[mrarctic]

rented brand new f 500 and it was a joke no power what so ever. rentle place in newberry said they dont have to govern them because of lack of power topped out at 75, Twin spar chassis is one amazing set up tho.

 

[sabercat]

A F5 can fly!

 

[chad66]

There are good things about the 500 and not so good things about the 500. In the twin spar chassis your not going to see over 75mph so a top end cruiser it is not. The good things are that they ride great and handle pretty decent and I've had rentals with 10k miles on them and have yet to rebuild a motor. The 500 and 600 laydown motors are bullet proof!

Chad@M&M