Getting a new sled, narrowed it down to the 1988 polaris indy 440 or 400. Anybody have experience with either machine? or any advice on which is a better machine? Thanks.

Any reason why you'd be interested in 20 year old used sleds? There must be some newer (not new) models that would fit your budget.

Provided thats all that you can afford, I would suggest the Indy 400. It will have a little more power than the 440 fan. I know the 400 motor is super reliable and I think the 440 is too but I am not sure. For just a little more $$, why not look for an Indy 500?? Either way, I dont think that you can go wrong. There was a ton of these sleds sold, so its easy to get parts for them and there is a lot of people that know a lot about them.

Used to own a 400 Indy, It was a good machine pretty quick for a 400, had clutch issues with it nothing major just had to be updated ......

I would also suggest the indy 400, although I might be a little biased. :D The only reason I got the 400 engine instead of a 500 was price, the 500's always seem to bring more coin than the 400's. Mine's plenty fast for me, don't have a speedo so can't give you an idea on top speed, but it isn't completely stock either. Like said, parts are plentiful for when something needs fixed.

the Indy 440 was built 92-98 aka no 440LC Indy in the 80s