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Ok gents, here's the deal. I currently have a 2012 switchback assault that I got last fall. Sort of acquired it by accident, but couldn't pass it up. However, it's not set up for the type of riding I like, which is steep and deep, with a tree or two. So, I've decided my summer mission will be turn it into my dream machine. Now, before anyone chimes in "Just sell it and buy a 2013!", it's just not an option. So with that said, continuing on......
Current plan:
- ditch the SBA rear suspension, convert to pro rear skid, or aftermarket if a deal pops up (will go aftermarket regardless sooner of later)
- Ice age 163 rails, anti stab
- since I have a front cooler and therefore no room, an Avid extended chaincase will grant me soon much needed real estate for a taller lug, plus help the attack angle
- track choice is pending, but I'm leaning towards a 2.5" challenger extreme, 3" pitch
- Avid anti ratchet drivers to match whatever track I choose
- chop off the ****ty factory running boards and the little wings that stick out on the rear end of the tunnel (nothing but snow collectors anyways!)
- I'm going to get new tunnel sides cut on a CNC water jet that resemble a VA tunnel (love that look!) which will also extend my tunnel to match the longer track. I will also have to extend the top portion of the tunnel rearwards to match
- tubular running boards, maybe Airframes but I'm open to suggestions
- fabricate a strong tubular rear bumper that can handle a sno bungee
- I'd like either a Boss seat, or maybe a 2013 shorty
That will take care of the rear. Front end:
- I already pulled the sway bar, night and day difference for side hilling
- I'm thinking 39" front end, shorter shocks to match (shock choice contingent on what sort of deal I find on Snowest)
- new bumper, not picky here but I do tend to mow down the occasional tree....
- As for the motor, I was really interested in a HM turbo with the Vipec, but now I'm leaning towards a big bore for reliability and initial cost. The RKT 858 looks interesting, just waiting for some more testing results before I pull the trigger there. (and we all know a turbo can be added later if need be!)
Those are the major upgrades planned. Of course, there will be other mods required, like venting and such, but I'll cross that bridge later. Big plan is to have it all together by next winter before the snow flies. I plan on collecting all the parts first, and then tearing it down and rebuilding it all in one shot. Right now, I need some advice in regards to starting points for clutching and gearing. Should I use the stock Pro as a starting point, or is there a better way to spend my money and do it right the first time? Any other advice you guys have would be appreciated, I know there's a wealth of info on this site. If I'm missing something major in my initial plan, by all means chime in! Just please no comments on how I shouldn't build a SBA.
Current plan:
- ditch the SBA rear suspension, convert to pro rear skid, or aftermarket if a deal pops up (will go aftermarket regardless sooner of later)
- Ice age 163 rails, anti stab
- since I have a front cooler and therefore no room, an Avid extended chaincase will grant me soon much needed real estate for a taller lug, plus help the attack angle
- track choice is pending, but I'm leaning towards a 2.5" challenger extreme, 3" pitch
- Avid anti ratchet drivers to match whatever track I choose
- chop off the ****ty factory running boards and the little wings that stick out on the rear end of the tunnel (nothing but snow collectors anyways!)
- I'm going to get new tunnel sides cut on a CNC water jet that resemble a VA tunnel (love that look!) which will also extend my tunnel to match the longer track. I will also have to extend the top portion of the tunnel rearwards to match
- tubular running boards, maybe Airframes but I'm open to suggestions
- fabricate a strong tubular rear bumper that can handle a sno bungee
- I'd like either a Boss seat, or maybe a 2013 shorty
That will take care of the rear. Front end:
- I already pulled the sway bar, night and day difference for side hilling
- I'm thinking 39" front end, shorter shocks to match (shock choice contingent on what sort of deal I find on Snowest)
- new bumper, not picky here but I do tend to mow down the occasional tree....
- As for the motor, I was really interested in a HM turbo with the Vipec, but now I'm leaning towards a big bore for reliability and initial cost. The RKT 858 looks interesting, just waiting for some more testing results before I pull the trigger there. (and we all know a turbo can be added later if need be!)
Those are the major upgrades planned. Of course, there will be other mods required, like venting and such, but I'll cross that bridge later. Big plan is to have it all together by next winter before the snow flies. I plan on collecting all the parts first, and then tearing it down and rebuilding it all in one shot. Right now, I need some advice in regards to starting points for clutching and gearing. Should I use the stock Pro as a starting point, or is there a better way to spend my money and do it right the first time? Any other advice you guys have would be appreciated, I know there's a wealth of info on this site. If I'm missing something major in my initial plan, by all means chime in! Just please no comments on how I shouldn't build a SBA.
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