This season’s new Arctic Cats have received a host of production changes over the summer. Here’s a rundown of some updates to 2008 F-Series machines.
• The honeycomb intake bezels have been replaced with a screen-type filter. The bezel was changed to prevent snow buildup.
• EFI mapping has been revised on 500, 600, 800, 1000 and Z1 four-stroke engines for better run quality and driveaway.
• F1000s will have a 3-post drive clutch with 85-gram weights. The secondary clutch gets a 46/40 helix. The engine will run 7250 rpm (down from 7400 rpm last year).
• F8s have been regeared from last year’s 62/58 to 64/56. The goal is to increase top-end speed.
• The Z1 four-stroke engine will have iridium spark plugs to improve cold-weather starting.
• Hardware in the rear suspensions is metric. The track adjustment bolts will remain SAE.
• Front limiter straps have more adjustability with the addition of three holes, spaced .5-inch apart.
• “Arctic Cat” has been added to the snowflap. Last year’s models were blank and looked unfinished.
• A gasket kit will be available for the ACT Diamond Drive gearcase. This will be available to correct recurring case leaks. Our experience is that this will be faster and easier to work with than the case sealant, especially for gearing changes.