I have a 2008 LTZ 400 with about 1 hour on it. What is the best performance mod for the money? I have read about Big bore kits, Hot cams, Air filter and exhaust or just simply changing the front sprocket from stock to a 13 tooth. I am wanting to pep it up for less. Also what is the best way to break one in?? I am new to the sport quads. I have a 700 twin Polaris and a 330 Polaris. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks  

to break it in there are so many different ways to do this.

i think the simplest way is to just not open the throttle wide open until after the first 15 hours of riding.

there are so many mods, performance exhaust and a jet kit would do good to start.

if you are wanting more dig and not necessarily more top end then go with a 1 or 2 tooth larger sprocket on the rear.

if you are wanting more top end then go with 1 or 2 tooth larger front sprocket.

a big bore kit absolutely turn it into a monster,
but i would build up to it.


when it comes to modding a sport atv its really an obsession once you start.  
a little is good, more is better, alot more is awesome!!

and you can add mods as you go so it's even more affordable.

set yourself an ultimate goal of a big bore kit, a stroker crank, a flat slide carb( if not efi), and a hot cam.

and in the meantime, slap some good exhaust on it, rejet it, and buy a different front or rear sprocket.
look for a hot coil for it or cdi. check with "pro fire" for the coil if they are still doing business.  

Thanks for the info. I am looking for low end power more so than top end. The z has plenty of pep, But the gearing is a little high in 2nd and 3rd. I do not want speed, That can get a guy seriously hurt on the trail. I prefer torque and duration. I was thinking about an FMF or HMF slip on and an air filter upgrade for now. Do you suggest a route on that?? Then get a little more into it after the new wears off.  

well if you are going to buy a slip on you may not have to rejet, just readjust the fuel air mixture depending on what you want.

but seriously if you are just wanting to buy a slip on, then you'd probably do just as well by yanking the baffle out of your stock muffler and pulling the airbox lid off. you could also drill a 1/2 inch hole inside the muffler where the baffle came out, but with a four cycle engine you'll need a muffler plug for when you aren't riding.

you'll still need to readjust the carb a bit. but i think cheaply you can get just as much out of the stock muffler with the baffle out as you could with a slip on. and it'll sound like a beast with the baffle out.

go one or two teeth smaller on the front sprocket or go one or two teeth larger on the rear.

although it's alot cheaper to buy one or two teeth smaller on the front.  you'll get a little more pep with one tooth, but a more noticeable amount of torque with two teeth.  the front sprocket shouldn't run you more than 25.00
while the rear can get up there in price sometimes.
and your dealer should be able to get them if they don't have them in stock.  

I will most likely go with the front sprocket change. As for the removing the baffle, I am not into loud at all. I will stick with stock sound with a little performance. I was leaning towards a K&N filter with a pre cover, But I read in another post you like Uni better. Why is that? I hate dealing with the oil on the foam filters. You have to do it with a K&N but it's not as messy. Thanks again for the info.  

uni has been around alot longer, the filters seem to last longer and breathe better. they have had more time to design and put out a good filter.

and who wants to have to constantly load their air filter with oil?

on the sprockets, what most people go to is 14/40 or 13/42 at least that's what my customers ask me to change them to.
but check your machine and see what it came with.
obviously if yours came with a 46 tooth rear sprocket (most 46 tooth sprockets you see on dirtbikes) then you are definately gonna want to change the front to smaller.

myself iam a speed junkie when it comes to atv's, so more top speed is what i look for.


your ride i believe came with a 14/40 front and rear sprocket from the factory.
you can buy as low as a 12 tooth front sprocket, and from what you are describing that you want it sounds like this is what you are needing.

on the rear sprocket you can go as 44 teeth.
i would keep the rear sprocket at 40 and put a 12 tooth on the front.

the dealer should be comparable with a "jt" front sprocket at around 25.00

thy are selling aftermarket no name front sprockets on ebay for $26.00
for the cheapest simple add on that will give you the most performance for a small amount of money i think the 12 tooth is your best bet.
and you always have the factory in case on an emergency.
you will need to retighten chain a little once you put the 12 tooth on it. but not a big deal.  

The Uni filter, do you have to oil it or is it dry with a pre filter? I am going to buy a 13T and a 12T to see what I like best. I ran into a problem yesterday. I bought Pro Armor A arm gaurds and the right side fit great. The left side will not fit well because the welds on that side are fat and gobbed up. I do not really want to grind on them and ruin the finish. Do you think Suzuki will send me a new replacement?? I got the frame skid plate and rear swing arm gaurd on with no problem. Well I will talk with ya later.  

dry with a pre normally

it depends, if the welds are factory then suzuki should replace them, take it to the dealer and show them, see what they can do to help you out.

the big four dealers (Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki) are really good about taking care of their customers.  

Sounds good on the Uni filter. That is most likely what I will go with. I took the A-arm off this after noon and I will take it to the dealer in the A.M. I hope that they get Suzuki to take care of it. Back to the air filter. Is the Uni a direct fit or does it require a little modifying?? I know the K&N requires a different flange. Not to be nosey, But what do you ride?? Well, I will talk at ya later. Thanks  

the uni should be a direct fit.

I ride a modified yamaha blaster,bored .40 over, timing advanced 4 degree's, 1 up front sprocket, custom modified exhaust, Boyeson pro series dual stage reeds, custom lowering set up.
not a bad ride for a 6 speed 2 cycle, but it will leave a 400ex in the dust, but then your ltz should do that

you can check out a photo of mine under readers rides at the top of the main page!!  

I ordered a Uni filter today. I also ended up just grinding the high spots and will re paint. It was going to be a 4-5 day wait on the new A-arm. I do not have a high patience level. At least I know they were willing to make it right. Plus I got to thinking, It will be covered by the gaurd any hoo. I am going to have to get a service manual for the LTZ400 so I know what to torque every thing at. I can probably find one on Ebay? Well I will talk at ya later.  

should be able to find a manual on ebay, and probably the cheapest.

yeah i figured there would be a wait, but i knew they would take good care of you and want to make it right.  

I got the A-arm grinded and painted. I have to say it turned out better than I had expected. I also got a CD Rom of the service manual off of Ebay. I think I spent $6.00 not bad. Now if the weather would just clear up I would have it made. Gotta go, Later !!  

yeah the weather is crappy here right now too.
no snow but bitter cold today.

supposed to be 60 tomorrow though  

The weather was fair today. Around 43 with the sun popping out. Now if it would dry up a little. No chance though. Snow shower tonite and rain in the morning. Indiana weather, Gotta love it !!! Well I should have some parts in the next few days. Sproket, Air filter Etc... Can't wait to see how it does. Gotta go.. Later !!!