I am new to the forum, so bear with me. I am looking at buying a 99 500 XCSP, and I have a few questions:

1. What suspension package comes with that?
2. What differentiates the SP from a normal XC?
3. Does it make sense to convert to the edge suspension, and how much should that cost (parts only)?

The sled I am looking at is in really great shape, but I have loved the edge suspension since it came out and don't want to buy this sled if I will be disappointed. What are the major differences between the Gen II (I am assuming 99 was the Gen II?)and the Edge Chassis/Suspension?

Thanks in advance.

GenII is an Extra-10 suspension

Thinking the SP came with the Fox rebuildable (revalvable) shocks where the XC had nitride shocks

It makes sense to convert to the Edge if suspension performance is important to you, or if you're over 200lbs. It's a popular conversion, a ton of guys have done it, and it makes for a sled that's a blast to drive. Cost of parts will depend on how good you are at searching out deals. I've seen decent suspensions go for 100.00, but most will be in the 250 - 400 range (Ebay). Watch what shocks you're talking about when trying to come up with/determining a value. A skid with nitride shocks isn't going to be worth anything near one with a rear clicker for instance...

If you cant afford to look at the rider forward designs, the 99 500 is certainly nothing to sneeze at. It's at least as nice as anything else out there, and with the conversion done, better than most.

In 99 im pretty sure that polaris had 3 different 500cc engine configurations for thier indy, xc and xcsp.

I have owned a 99 500 xcsp from new and it is an amazing sled. The only changes i did to it where change the clutch springs and the track to a 1.5" track. I am still thinking of putting in a 2" handlebar riser in it. Its my ditch banger and it is still going strong after 2000 HARD miles on it.

Thanks for the info guys. Michahicks, it seems like you have done a ton of this stuff, as I have had more opportunity to read through the forums. I found an edge rear suspension with the Fox position sensitive shock for $200. What things should I be aware of to know if it is in decent shape? Also, would I need a new track for the edge vs x-10 suspension? And do I need to modify the front suspension to match the new rear suspension?

What do you think a 99 500 XCSP with 900 miles on it (garage kept) should go for?

mhicks has it pretty much nailed. things to look for; the pps shock can be expensive to rebuild make sure it returns slowly and fully with no oil leaking, check the idler bearings, use only oem hyfax, see if the rails are bent up or sideways, and check for cracks on the rear scissor and front arm.

Those 99's are nice sleds. I love ours. The SP package had few differences from the standard XC. The shocks as mentioned, also the seat cover has the extra pads at the knee area, and the fuel tank size is different as I recall. Same motor as the XC, from what I've learned.

Ours sees pretty much only trail riding, but it's great for that. I picked ours up via auction, so I don't know much about it's reliability except for the fact that I've had to do very little to it over the few years we've had it. I have no experience with the Edge suspension, so I can't really tell you how it compares. But in it's stock form, with good shocks, it rides nice.

After riding as long as I have it's very difficult to find a sled that really suits my needs (want list?) in all areas. Like some others, I've just gotten used to the concept that if I want one (assuming there is such a thing), I'm going to have to build it myself.

The skid, as long as there are no oblonged holes anywhere (like the fastening points on either side of the lower front shock- look for large black stains on the rails), are pretty durable. IMHO, bearings are cheap, not much of a concern when shoping for a skid. The PPS isn't all that bad until you compare it to a clicker. Tifa is right, they can be expensive to build if the shock shaft is pitted. Other than that, not too bad, or any worse than others of similar age. Jerry at JBshocks.com has an exellent reputation with the PPS, can get them dialed in for you pretty good, is one of the good guys. Dealing with him is a pleasant experience.

As far as the value of the sled, saying it depends on condition is kind of an assumption when they're getting of this age. A nice one shouldn't have too much trouble pulling something in the teens?

To put that into perspective though, I bought my '06 600 HO Poo last spring for less than 3000. It's fairly clean, but granted, needs a little TLC here and there. -Al

Edit: forgot, no track change necessary, and the front end has the same travel as an Edge. Also, can use Edge shocks should you feel the need, they're a direct bolt on. The Edge ski springs will not work though. Too big on the OD, they'll rub. If you decide to go that way, send them to Jerry with the PPS and ask him to soften up the high speed a little.... You'll have a poor man's ProX out of the deal. GenII set up like this (500/600/700) in the right hands can be VERY quick handling in the twisties.....are great projects.

Well, I went ahead and bought the sled for $1500. It is in great shape; 1000 miles, no dents, cracks etc... There was some minor oil staining around the "head gasket" (car terminology, not sure if it applies to snowmobiles). I was told this is normal, is that true?

The suspension I was looking at was sold before I could buy it, so I am looking again...would love to know of any out there for good deals.

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I look into upgrading the suspension.

no, thats not normal. should be clean as a whistle up there. if there is oil up there maybe look to the exhaust valves for leaking...if it has E/V.

<<<The suspension I was looking at was sold before I could buy it, so I am looking again...would love to know of any out there for good deals.>>>

As mentioned, the later Poo suspensions make very good conversions for the older (or the not designed so well) sleds. They're in demand for that reason as you just found. Ebay and the adds run in HCS are both good sources. Just watch which shocks you're talking about, hard to go very far wrong from there.

a tip for looking at shocks is don't buy them if they have any rust at all on the shafts because the rust ruins the seals in the shocks and causes the shocks not to work. I was told that buy a guy who looked at my sled and saw all the rust and told me i needed new shocks. he was right because i took them off and some of them had close to no resistance. the ones with slight to moderate rust didnt have as much resistance as the new ones i purchased so rust is never good