450 Sheave & Clutch Kit

KentT · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 05:05 AM

I just bit the bullet and ordered the UTV Crap 450 sheave and a clutch kit with 12 gram weights and blue EPI spring. The sheave price of $69 (after refund of core charge) was just too enticing...

I'm rationalizing it by saying the savings on the sheave offset the cost of the clutch kit...

I figured that if I'm going to do any more performance mods down the road that this would set the base foundation for doing so. If nothing else, I'd like to get back what I've lost in performance with all the weight I've added, especially my big, heavy 26" Bighorns on ITP Delta steel wheels...

I'm still trying to decide if I use all 12-gram weights or just replace every other one...

Since this thing's engine is bone stock with less than 50 hours -- not even jet work, after snorkeling up under the hood -- I'm not sure if all 12-gram weights might be too much...

Any 450 owners out there running a similar clutch setup? How do you think this might perform, in comparison to the original setup?

Should I replace just every other weight, or use all 12-gram ones as a starting point?

There's just not a lot of good 450 info out there...

**Dirtysidedown** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 08:22 AM

You will be good using all the weights. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a 450 for some testing of various mods, if anyone has one near Surprise,AZ let me know!

KentT · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 05:18 AM

Thanks! I think I'll start with all 12-gram weights and try it to see if it runs too high of RPM in normal trail riding. Meanwhile, it'll be interesting to see if it lives up to this marketing claim:

INCREASE YOUR BOTTOM AND TOP END ON YOUR 450 YAMAHA RHINO WITH THIS BRAND NEW MACHINED CLUTCH SHEAVE FROM UTV CRAP

UTV Crap

Or, is this claim only applicable to brand-new sheaves, not "used, machined sheaves."

As I understand the clutch mechanism, the only way to increase bottom end would be to machine the area where the weight rollers are "parked" when they aren't being slung out by centrifugal force.

It's really that bottom end and midrange that I'm looking to improve, since I seldom ride anywhere where top end is an issue. The only "wide-open" spaces to run wide open here would be on backroads, which we try to avoid for obvious reasons, since they're not street legal here...

I considered just an inexpensive and simple "shim mod" but didn't want to risk the retaining nut backing off and damaging things. I understand some folks are putting 1mm, 1.5 mm or 2mm shims in there -- but I've also heard of primary sheaves coming loose...

'04limited · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 06:35 PM

hey steve im still down to let you do some testing out on my 450, i still never got my clutch weights all dialed in, havent been around here for a while but i will be from now on hit me up if your still interested. Tom

**Dirtysidedown** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KentT

Thanks! I think I'll start with all 12-gram weights and try it to see if it runs too high of RPM in normal trail riding. Meanwhile, it'll be interesting to see if it lives up to this marketing claim:

INCREASE YOUR BOTTOM AND TOP END ON YOUR 450 YAMAHA RHINO WITH THIS BRAND NEW MACHINED CLUTCH SHEAVE FROM UTV CRAP

UTV Crap

Or, is this claim only applicable to brand-new sheaves, not "used, machined sheaves."

As I understand the clutch mechanism, the only way to increase bottom end would be to machine the area where the weight rollers are "parked" when they aren't being slung out by centrifugal force.

It's really that bottom end and midrange that I'm looking to improve, since I seldom ride anywhere where top end is an issue. The only "wide-open" spaces to run wide open here would be on backroads, which we try to avoid for obvious reasons, since they're not street legal here...

I considered just an inexpensive and simple "shim mod" but didn't want to risk the retaining nut backing off and damaging things. I understand some folks are putting 1mm, 1.5 mm or 2mm shims in there -- but I've also heard of primary sheaves coming loose...

We also machine the inner hub side of the sheave so the rollers will start out lower in the sheave. If you need any help getting it set up let me know!

Quote: Originally Posted by '04limited

hey steve im still down to let you do some testing out on my 450, i still never got my clutch weights all dialed in, havent been around here for a while but i will be from now on hit me up if your still interested. Tom

Where have you been hiding Tom? Anytime you want to drop of your 450 let me know and I will make room in my garage for it. I was thinking jetting,clutching and maybe some super secret stuff if your up for it.

'04limited · #6 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Where have you been hiding Tom? Anytime you want to drop of your 450 let me know and I will make room in my garage for it. I was thinking jetting,clutching and maybe some super secret stuff if your up for it.

just been super busy man the wife had a kid and works been hectic but i will get with you soon, dune season is coming up real soon!

**Dirtysidedown** · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 08:04 PM

Don't you mean you both had a kid? lol Congrats!

ShortRider · #8 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 12:18 PM

Finally a topic on a 450! I was beginning to think i owned the only one on here...

This is very helpful info as i have been wanting to do something with the clutch to get a little more bottom and mid range power but typically only find what people have done with 660's and 700's.

If you dont mind, i have a few more in depth questions regarding this clutch mod.... first, exactly which parts (part number from UTV Crap) did you purchase, and how difficult of mechanic job is this to undertake?

I am in the same boat where i need more bottom to mid power for trails and not really too concerned with more top speed at this point.

Thanks!

97ZJDaily · #9 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 12:33 PM

Keep the info coming! I am in the market for alittle more performance.

Cowboy Rhino · #10 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ShortRider

Finally a topic on a 450! I was beginning to think i owned the only one on here...

This is very helpful info as i have been wanting to do something with the clutch to get a little more bottom and mid range power but typically only find what people have done with 660's and 700's.

If you dont mind, i have a few more in depth questions regarding this clutch mod.... first, exactly which parts (part number from UTV Crap) did you purchase, and how difficult of mechanic job is this to undertake?

I am in the same boat where i need more bottom to mid power for trails and not really too concerned with more top speed at this point.

Thanks!

X2

KentT · #11 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 05:56 AM

Just received them, so I have part numbers:

04-07 450 Rhino CLutch Sheave, Machined Sheave - Half + Core, Part #1032
UTV Crap 450 Duner Clutch Kit, Part #1473

I won't get them installed until sometime next week. I have a 60 mile ride planned with the club for this Sunday, and I don't want to (a) try to get everything done before then, and (b) use that long of a ride as the first real test-drive.

I'll report back with my impressions once I get them installed.

ShortRider · #12 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 09:43 AM

Thanks a ton for the info. I look forward to your report as i think i will be ordering the same goods from UTV Crap once i hear back from you.

**UTV Inc.** · #13 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 10:04 AM

We just installed a sheave half (utv crap #1032) only on a 450.

This car had a top speed of 37-38 mph depending on how long of a road you got on.

Stock cdi. Stock weights. Stock secondary spring. Itp 12" wheels. 25" maxxis tires (not stock). Stock cage. No other mods other than the sheave.

Seat of the pants felt a little increase in the pull from 0-30 and then pulled out to a top speed of 42 mph.

So this 450 at the shop we saw an increase of boittom end pull (seat of the pants), and a 5 mph top end increase.

Just one we did today, thought id post something up.