HC2 to HC3 swap - ride report pt. 1

[russ-russ]

OK, so here's the deal.  Went for a put-put out in the desert today with some buddies, last weekend I swapped my HC2 for the HC3, all other variables are the same, right down to the tune.  Our desert isn't like Baja where you're running WFO for miles on end, it's rocky and rutted and not a lot of high speed, wide open stretches, but there are some.  My SOTP impression is that the HC2 comes on sooner, but not as hard.  Also, if you are lugging the motor, relying on that 700 torque, the HC3 doesn't lug as well, and takes longer to come on when you do stab the throttle.  If you're not a lugger, you would probably not really notice the difference, but when I trail ride, I'm frequently lugging the motor almost until it stalls just to avoid a downshift.  The 700 usually lets you get away with that, but I found myself downshifting more today.  The mid and top is noticeably better, on the faster sections when I was in the gas a little more, it kept carrying the front tires (without trying, just throttle) where the HC2 wouldn't.  I'm really looking forward to the next sand ride, that will be ride report pt. 2. 

My current opinion is that if you ride tight trails and need the low and mid range more than the top end, the HC2 (and an 11:1 piston) is for you.  Nothing I said here is a shock, it just seems that lots of people that haven't ridden with both are saying not to bother with the HC2 and just get the HC3, I wanted to offer a different opinion.

One other thing I thought was interesting about the swap, the valve clearances were still right on after the new cam went in, no tweaking needed.

[digitalhearing]

I just swapped out my son's HC2 for a HC3.  Also we put an 11:1 piston in and a ported head.  We ride strictly in the sand so the extra top end power will be helpful.  Have not ridden it yet so I'll report backe when we do.  I'm sure it will have more balz with the extra mods we did but I'm sure we will be glad we did the cam swap too.  Thanks for the writeup on your findings.  I'm sure there is a lot of us that are considering the "drop in" upgrade.

Grant

[russ-russ]

My bike has to do everything, but I lean toward sand.  If I were closer to Little Sahara or St. Anthony, it would be a sand-only bike for sure.

[air]

Russ what gearing you running?  15  front or a 14 front.
Also you might be able to advance the timing down low to help with the cam lag if you have a programmable Dyna

[russ-russ]

Russ what gearing you running?  15  front or a 14 front.
Also you might be able to advance the timing down low to help with the cam lag if you have a programmable Dyna

I am running the 14T front but my dirt tires are 22".  I do have the programmable dyna, and I have a programming kit coming from Steve, whenever my FCI intake gets here.

[air]

add about 4 degrees for this altitude untill apx 5500

[russ-russ]

Thanks, I'll give that a shot.

[SprinterX]

add about 4 degrees for this altitude untill apx 5500

New to the Raptor, can you advance the stock ign by slotting the pick-up mounting holes like the banshee?

[Krandall]

Great write-up, let us know how the advancing the timing goes. I'm looking to do a little more this winter possibly, With the XC races I'd hate to lose that lovable bottom end!