ATV performance at elevation

[s10]

For those that run ATVs at elevation v closer to sea level, do you notice much performance change or operational issues? First time bringing an ATV with me at elevation and was curious. 2008 arctic cat 355. Let me know, thanks.

 

[npaden]

If you are going to be moving up and down significant elevation you should get a machine with fuel injection. Unless you want to change the jetting on your carb that is. Quick glance makes it sound like your machine is fuel injected so you should be good to go. You might notice a slightly lower performance but not like if it was a carbureted machine, they will generally bog down because they run too rich at higher elevations unless you change out the jets.

 

[D_Walt]

How high of elevation are you going? My carbureted 400cc 2002 Honda foreman does just fine below 11k without re-jetting and I’ve run it over Pearl Pass in Colorado at 12,700’ with both my wife and I on it and I’m a big guy- very noticeable power loss over about 11,000 though.

If your machine is fuel injected you’ll still lose some power but you won’t have any problems.

 

[WapitiBob]

Had to rejet my carbed atv in Flagstaff this year, I live at 3300, flag is maybe 8k. Previously had to rejet in 16C NM.
Engine would cut out with full throttle application. The manual should tell you what it needs if anything.

 

[s10]

How high of elevation are you going? My carbureted 400cc 2002 Honda foreman does just fine below 11k without re-jetting and I’ve run it over Pearl Pass in Colorado at 12,700’ with both my wife and I on it and I’m a big guy- very noticeable power loss over about 11,000 though.

If your machine is fuel injected you’ll still lose some power but you won’t have any problems.

I will be around 7000-9500 depending on weather. It has a carb, no fuel injection.

 

[D_Walt]

You’ll probably be fine - but jets and gaskets are really cheap (probably get a bowl gasket and main jet for $20 at jets r us) probably a good idea to at least take one with you in case your machine struggles at that elevation.

 

[npaden]

Putzing around you won't even notice. Full throttle you will bog down. I have a 450 Yamaha Grizzly and it starts cutting out at full throttle above 8,000'. I live at 3,000'. I haven't ever rejetted it,I just put it in low range and go slower when I get at the higher elevation.