difference between mxz 96,97,98? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

macro · 03-05-2004, 01:23 PM

Hi, I am new to this sport, I have driven a polaris indy 440 96, and an arctic cat 580 (something like that) 93. This was two years ago. I had a blast with them and would like to get a sled of my own. I have been researching a lot lately on sleds and I decided to go with bombardier, especially the mxz series. I really like the 96 to 98 models. I would like to know if there are any differences between these years. The engine size I want to go with are 583 or 600 no bigger.

proXpilot · 03-05-2004, 06:55 PM

the suspension on those things are horrible, of course it all depends on how you ride, if your new to the game, it will prolly be alright.

macro · 03-05-2004, 07:50 PM

What do you mean the suspension on those sleds are horrible? What sled would you recommend ? I like bombardier cause they are located close to where I live, and also their mxz series really look good. I mainly want a sled in the price range of these mxz's I mentioned and that will do trails well corner nice, have plenty of punch, not really top speed but at least be able to get some decent top speed if I wanted to, feels rather confortable. I read theres suspension upgrades for the mxz, would that solve the horrible suspension issues ?

proXpilot · 03-05-2004, 08:45 PM

i recommend for someone just startin out, a 2000 polaris XC 600. back in the day that was the sled to have if your lookin for something in that time frame. it had good suspension and plenty of motor.

macro · 03-05-2004, 10:10 PM

are mxz's that bad?, I read so much good stuff about them, people say their 583 engines are bulletproof, I read so much about the 96 to 98 sleds. I read how they are awesome on trails, they are fast, handle very well etc... The polaris's are cheaper, but I don't necessarily want whats cheapest in price (unless its really good quality. I want a sled that will feel nice and handle well on the trails, give me plenty of punch around the turns, and of course be very reliable. Also looking great.

**smallengineguy** · 03-06-2004, 06:42 AM

The 96 to 98 MXZ's are pretty much identical, they changed to the new suspension in 99. They are all great, trouble free sleds. The best suggestion I can make is to try and compare makes and models. If the MXZ is what you want, don't settle for less. You'll be disappointed you spent all that money on something you didn't really want!!

macro · 03-06-2004, 08:54 AM

when I went snowmobiling 2 winters ago, I liked the indy a lot more then the arctic cat. The polaris indy 440 was awesome but lacked power. It felt nice, was very easy to handle, had good low end acceleration. The arctic cat seems to be out of control, The front end was a bit loose and my friend says its now fixed and feels awesome. The 580 arctic cat was plenty of power for me, maybe needed a bit more on the low end, but power was great, and the indy handled/drove the way I would like a sled to ride. How does the mxz 96-98 compare in ride feel/handling to a 96 indy ? I want something to handle turns very well but also offer decent confort for a sled that has good handling.

**smallengineguy** · 03-06-2004, 11:54 AM

They all handle pretty well, depending on how they're set up. More picks/carbides will handle differently than less, etc. The MXZ's are pretty short sleds, so whip through turns quite well. MXZ 600's are great all around sleds, lightweight (for liquid cooled, anyway) and well set up.

macro · 03-06-2004, 02:18 PM

if I were to get a 96 to 98 mxz, 583 or 600, would I be able to upgrade the suspension to the 99 mxz, or anything that will offer equivalent performance? Would it make a huge difference to upgrade the stock suspension?

**smallengineguy** · 03-06-2004, 03:53 PM

There was another post on this forum discussing that. I think it said the new style (SC-10) suspension would bolt right up, but you should check through the posts first. The stock suspension is very good also!

proXpilot · 03-06-2004, 03:58 PM

it all depends on how you ride, if you could find yourself a cheap 2001 600 edge. you will have the best of both worlds, you wont be lacking in the motor departement and you will have twice the suspension as the mxz. honest

macro · 03-07-2004, 07:54 PM

I would like to know what the difference is between the formulaZ 583 compared to a mxz 583.

01MXZ800 · 03-08-2004, 07:40 PM

MXZ'S HAVE A STIFFER SET-UP THAN THE FORMULA Z AND ANY SC-10 WILL BOLT IN, SC-10'S UP TO '99 HAD A EXTRA SET OF CARRIER WHEELS UP IN THE TUNNEL '99-UP DO NOT, ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS REMOVE THOSE WHEELS AND NEWER SKIDS WILL BOLT RIGHT IN. AND THE YEARS THAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT ARE VERY GOOD TRAIL SLEDS IF THERE ARE SET UP CORRECTLY.

GOOD LUCK!!!

**smallengineguy** · 03-08-2004, 08:17 PM

Thanks, 800. I knew I had read about suspension swaps before! I couldn' t remember who posted it before.

macro · 03-08-2004, 11:06 PM

Thank you everyone for your help. I'm gonna wait until the season to end to get my sled. Suposedly they are a lot cheaper off season. I am for sure going to get an mxz 583 or 600 between 96 to 98, most likely a 600 98 if I find a good deal on one. How ever if I do find a nice 99 600 for a good deal then I will take that. It all depends. I unfortunately neglected my ski-doo foundation at the beginning of the season, also getting a car ruined any chances of getting a sled, but for sure will start early for next season

Once again thanks for all the advice.

**smallengineguy** · 03-09-2004, 06:23 AM

Glad to help! I'll probably be asking all the REV questions later this year myself!