Its been a long time since i made any posts on here, but due blowing up my last good Engine, i think its time for some much needed upgrades. I moved out of town and no longer have internet, so my updates may be a bit less frequent than my old build threads but i will try to be around a bit more. This pilot has been really awesome and i have put a ton of miles on it. It sounds like i am about the only person that has had any success with the Dave-Co kit, so to start here are my biggest complaints.

First, the front ball joints didnt take long until they loosened up. Due to them being rewelded onto the new arms, i think it was a doomed idea from the start. I am on the lookout for a better balljoint option, if anybody has any suggestions i am all ears. Ideally i would like to weld in a threaded bung much like the YODA kit that is on my Alabama Pilot. I was told these balljoints do not have enough travel for the LT kit, but it is something i would like to see for myself and try.

Second, the axle shafts that were made for me were lengthened from 2 stock axle shafts. They worked for a season but finally did let go on me. I had one rewelded by a local guy, but it did not take long before it broke again. I purchased a set of ATVr axle shafts and have not had any issues.... yet. Im sure the welded shafts would have been fine for a stock powered pilot, not a 670.

So here is where i am at today. The last time we were out for a ride, the PTO side piston skirt shattered taking out most of the Engine. I had a sled with a spare 670 that i threw back in it real quick to get it back on the road but it is just not the same. I had the pilot dialed in with the old Engine, it performed 100% perfect. This Engine turned out to be a non HO and it just doesn't have the same feeling as the old setup so i am fairly disappointed. I am ready to bring this pilot up to bulletproof standards with the drivetrain. Its always in the back of my mind that the transmission could explode at any minute. The torque clutch they have must be the saving grace because even after beating the hell out of this thing for 2 or 3 years now all i have done is rebuild the clutch once and keep the oil fresh. So i would like to swap in an RPM transmission and a new EFI 2 stroke sled Engine. I am leaning toward the Skidoo etec 600. Thoughts? Any better options?

I probably wont start any of this until winter time, but i am in the planning and parts gathering stage. I would love to hear any input on this, nothing is set in stone i just want to end up with a drivetrain i don't have to worry about being nice to. The Alabama Pilot Wreck is going to be headed to a new home to fund this project. Its pretty much down to spending some time and money on this machine or buying a new Polaris RS1, and man do i hate the cheap plasticy new machines.

First pic is really cool shot! Is that WA? (Man! NJ SUCKS!)

No idea on the ball joint fix? Uni-ball style would be my choice. I wouldn't have welded on those ball joints either.

Good call on the RPM. Proven performer.

No experience on the FI 2 stroke. I have 2 Yami phazer engines in the Briggs cars and they are pretty bullet proof.....but they are 4 stroke! LOL. Are you anti-4 stroke like some? They are only 80 hp, might not be enough for what your used to.

First pic is near Farmington, Wa a little place called Mcroskey state park. Pretty cool little spot with a neat history. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCroskey_State_Park (if you are curious). Unfortunately money always wins and they are starting to log more and more of the park. I fear that it wont be long and it will be off limits. It really has not been very well known for years and years since it is an hour or more from any major town, but the city guys are finally starting to make their way down here and just don't respect it like the locals do, leaving trash blazing their own trails instead of staying on trail ect. This doesnt help anything either...
Second pic is Elk River, ID.

Im not 100% anti 4 stroke, if i did the phazer it would have to be turbo. It would be hard to step from 120HP down to 80. I just love the 2 stroke sound, smell, and everything else unique about them.