Frequently Asked Questions:
What sleds will this set-up work on?
This set-up works great on 440 to 800cc stock engines and up to 600cc mod engines. high horsepower engines & team driven clutches. Formula X-1 Team driven clutch kits coming soon!
What will I get and how do I Install the Formula X-1?
The Diamond Drive kit is a direct bolt on set-up. The kit includes a radically different helix, a monster spring, an end cap w/ bushing, end cap screws, retaining washer and instructions. Simply order the kit and follow the instructions included or have a reputable shop install it for you. You should be prepared to use a spring compressor to disassemble the secondary.
The Yamaha, Arctic Cat roller and button clutch requires machining to accept the Formula X-1 set-up.
1. Simply send your driven clutch with a green spring (Arctic Cat p/n 0748-025) to us. We will inspect the rollers and bushings, modify your clutch, install our the Formula X-1 kit, assemble the clutch and send it back to you ready to bolt on. We will gladly rebuild your clutch (reasonable parts and labor charges will apply). It will ship out the next business day. We suggest that windage plates be used due to the reduced running temperature and increased efficiency. The Yamaha secondary’s will be machined to accept an Arctic Cat style helix and spring. A new roller cover assembly will be included with the kit.
2. You may also call us for availability of reconditioned clutches. If you have a secondary clutch core, just send it to us and when we receive your core, we will credit back the appropriate amount. We only accept clutches that are in good condition.
What clutch weights work the best with the X-1 system?
The X-1 will work with nearly all stock Arctic Cat, Comet, Polaris 10 and S series weights. We have found that some of the aggressive drive clutch weights may not give maximum performance with the X-1 set-up.
Can I still use a standard helix in the secondary once the secondary has been modified?
The X-1 will accept any helix for the style clutch (except Yamaha clutches). All you need to do is remove the X-1 helix and spring and install your set-up. The performance of your set-up will be unaffected by the X-1 modifications. The Yamaha Formula X-1 set-up uses Arctic Cat style helixes. Virtually any Arctic Cat style helix can be used in the Formula X-1 modified secondary. Arctic Cat or Yamaha style secondary springs may also be used.
Secrets revealed for going fast:
Here are some helpful hints from many years of experience. These are often overlooked but are very important for making a snowmobile fast.
Before making any performance improvements, do the following:
1. Check the steering. You will probably be making your sled faster, so it is very important to check the ski alignment, and steering fasteners. Lube all steering linkages. You would not want to be hauling ass and find the sled goes out of control from loose fasteners or misaligned skis.
2. Check the brakes. There again, you will be making your sled faster so be sure that the brakes in good condition. Also brakes that drag will have an adverse affect on performance.
3. Check the condition of the clutches and drive belt. If the clutches and/or belt are worn out, performance will be affected. A lot of time and effort have been wasted in tuning sleds with worn out clutches. Check and adjust clutch alignment. Also check motor mounts and torque limiters for soft or cracked rubber mounts.
4. Check the complete sled over. Check all fasteners for proper torque. Even if the sled is new, CHECK ALL FASTENERS!!! Check all the idler, drive shaft and jack shaft bearings. Rough bearings equals poor performance.
5. Check the crankshaft run out. The crank is the heart of the engine, if it is not running true, performance will suffer. We have seen 10 MPH loss from .004” crank run out. The less run out the better. No more than .002”. This is VERY IMPORTANT for a strong running sled!!!! If you find that jetting down and/or going to lighter clutch weights doesn’t make a change in rpm, it is a symptom of a bent (misaligned) crankshaft. Guess what makes one sled faster than others? A healthy motor will take more fuel and heavy weights.
Gearing for speed. Our testing in the field has shown speed can be gained by over gearing. If you over gear about 15% you could pick up about 2-4 mph. At terminal velocity the jackshaft should be turning 15% slower than the engine. Testing on the clutch dyno has shown there is a 5% increase in horse power spinning the jackshaft at 85% of the engine. Testing has also shown that acceleration does not decrease when over gearing. However, for you drag racers, 60’ times may suffer.
Clutching for general performance. Testing has shown big gains in acceleration when you clutch the sled so the engine builds rpm from the initial belt hookup to top speed. Some engine/pipe packages only need 100 to 200 rpm of build while others work good with 300 to 400 rpm of build. For example a stock Arctic Cat F-7 works great pulling out at 7700 and build to 7950.
What sleds will this set-up work on?
This set-up works great on 440 to 800cc stock engines and up to 600cc mod engines. high horsepower engines & team driven clutches. Formula X-1 Team driven clutch kits coming soon!
What will I get and how do I Install the Formula X-1?
The Diamond Drive kit is a direct bolt on set-up. The kit includes a radically different helix, a monster spring, an end cap w/ bushing, end cap screws, retaining washer and instructions. Simply order the kit and follow the instructions included or have a reputable shop install it for you. You should be prepared to use a spring compressor to disassemble the secondary.
The Yamaha, Arctic Cat roller and button clutch requires machining to accept the Formula X-1 set-up.
1. Simply send your driven clutch with a green spring (Arctic Cat p/n 0748-025) to us. We will inspect the rollers and bushings, modify your clutch, install our the Formula X-1 kit, assemble the clutch and send it back to you ready to bolt on. We will gladly rebuild your clutch (reasonable parts and labor charges will apply). It will ship out the next business day. We suggest that windage plates be used due to the reduced running temperature and increased efficiency. The Yamaha secondary’s will be machined to accept an Arctic Cat style helix and spring. A new roller cover assembly will be included with the kit.
2. You may also call us for availability of reconditioned clutches. If you have a secondary clutch core, just send it to us and when we receive your core, we will credit back the appropriate amount. We only accept clutches that are in good condition.
What clutch weights work the best with the X-1 system?
The X-1 will work with nearly all stock Arctic Cat, Comet, Polaris 10 and S series weights. We have found that some of the aggressive drive clutch weights may not give maximum performance with the X-1 set-up.
Can I still use a standard helix in the secondary once the secondary has been modified?
The X-1 will accept any helix for the style clutch (except Yamaha clutches). All you need to do is remove the X-1 helix and spring and install your set-up. The performance of your set-up will be unaffected by the X-1 modifications. The Yamaha Formula X-1 set-up uses Arctic Cat style helixes. Virtually any Arctic Cat style helix can be used in the Formula X-1 modified secondary. Arctic Cat or Yamaha style secondary springs may also be used.
Secrets revealed for going fast:
Here are some helpful hints from many years of experience. These are often overlooked but are very important for making a snowmobile fast.
Before making any performance improvements, do the following:
1. Check the steering. You will probably be making your sled faster, so it is very important to check the ski alignment, and steering fasteners. Lube all steering linkages. You would not want to be hauling ass and find the sled goes out of control from loose fasteners or misaligned skis.
2. Check the brakes. There again, you will be making your sled faster so be sure that the brakes in good condition. Also brakes that drag will have an adverse affect on performance.
3. Check the condition of the clutches and drive belt. If the clutches and/or belt are worn out, performance will be affected. A lot of time and effort have been wasted in tuning sleds with worn out clutches. Check and adjust clutch alignment. Also check motor mounts and torque limiters for soft or cracked rubber mounts.
4. Check the complete sled over. Check all fasteners for proper torque. Even if the sled is new, CHECK ALL FASTENERS!!! Check all the idler, drive shaft and jack shaft bearings. Rough bearings equals poor performance.
5. Check the crankshaft run out. The crank is the heart of the engine, if it is not running true, performance will suffer. We have seen 10 MPH loss from .004” crank run out. The less run out the better. No more than .002”. This is VERY IMPORTANT for a strong running sled!!!! If you find that jetting down and/or going to lighter clutch weights doesn’t make a change in rpm, it is a symptom of a bent (misaligned) crankshaft. Guess what makes one sled faster than others? A healthy motor will take more fuel and heavy weights.
Gearing for speed. Our testing in the field has shown speed can be gained by over gearing. If you over gear about 15% you could pick up about 2-4 mph. At terminal velocity the jackshaft should be turning 15% slower than the engine. Testing on the clutch dyno has shown there is a 5% increase in horse power spinning the jackshaft at 85% of the engine. Testing has also shown that acceleration does not decrease when over gearing. However, for you drag racers, 60’ times may suffer.
Clutching for general performance. Testing has shown big gains in acceleration when you clutch the sled so the engine builds rpm from the initial belt hookup to top speed. Some engine/pipe packages only need 100 to 200 rpm of build while others work good with 300 to 400 rpm of build. For example a stock Arctic Cat F-7 works great pulling out at 7700 and build to 7950.