92 Arctic Cat Ext 550 Engine Diagram

Joined Feb 9, 2005

207 Posts

Discussion Starter · #1 · Nov 3, 2005

How are these sleds? There is one on e-bay and the guy lives close to me. Was wondering your opinions on it.

Good motor?
Fast?
Reliable?

Would this be better to pick up then a 91 artic cat panther 440? (as long as both in running condition)

Joined Nov 22, 2002

4,733 Posts

i drove a 92 ext 550 special. i believe it had fox shocks so u may want to get them rebuilt. should cost about 25$ per shock. not something that needs to be done, but should be. as far as the engine goes, they are a good enegine. my dad ran panteras for 4 yrs with the 550 engine. only problem we ever had was we blew a anti freeze line once and ruined a gasket. the sled handles very well and was fairly quick in its day.
i also had a 91 prowler with the 440 engine u ask about. worked very well but the short tracks did have a twitching problem. if the sleds are in good shape, and have been well maintianed they will u a great sled. good luck.

Joined Apr 23, 2003

980 Posts

This was the sled that made me want to get a snowmobile. I fell in love with the look of this machine and still like the appearance. A friend's brother and his buddy each bought one in fall of 91 and they just looked sleeker and meaner than anything else, to me. They were fast for their day and handled and rode quite well. The base EXT did not have rebuildable shocks, so the only way to restore the ride is to replace them. If they are the original shocks then they are probaly long past due for replacement. The 550 has alwys been a pretty bullit proof engine too.

Joined Oct 26, 2004

121 Posts

Buy the ext, it has more power and better suspension. I had a 92' ext special. I pulled off the fox shocks and put Kimplex on and this sled rode great, I never bottomed out and I am over 6' tall and 260 lbs. The 550 will keep up with anything on the trails.

Joined Sep 25, 2001

508 Posts

the 550 is a solid motor, you may consider top end job for either depending the amount of miles on them.

Joined Feb 9, 2005

207 Posts

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 3, 2005

thanks guys, the 440 has a new piston and o-ring...and is in very good conditin, the 540 will need a little tLC

Joined Mar 26, 2003

6,491 Posts

Not sure if it's the same but we have a 91 EXT 530, been a great sled, quick and reliable as hell! Only weak part was the primary clutch.

Joined Apr 18, 2005

73 Posts

I have a 93 mountain cat ext, i havent got to to ride it in the snow yet, but it only has 1200 original miles on it, and i think it will be a good reliable sled.

Joined Mar 18, 2001

4,869 Posts