suggestions: simple mods to stock 550sx

[concentrack]

Hello again.
i currently have a 1990 550sx that's currently bone stock. i'd like to add a few modifications to get better performance. i'd like to stay in the (roughly) $500-$600 range for the total modification cost. and i'm concerned about doing too much because i don't want lose a lot of reliability.

suggestions please.

thank you.

 

[yama_freak615]

PM coreylkn he should know a few

 

[WFO Speedracer]

First on the list new Scattrac or Solas impeller,next intake grate,next shaved head,next super BN 44 carb and intake manifold,pretty much in that order.

 

[onesojourner]

A factory pipe half pipe is also another good one. I have a prop for you its a 13/16.

I won't lie though, its not worth it. moding a 550 is worse than leasing a car. just put that 5-600 towards and sj and you will be much much better off.

 

[Duster8]

A factory pipe half pipe is also another good one. I have a prop for you its a 13/16.

I won't lie though, its not worth it. moding a 550 is worse than leasing a car. just put that 5-600 towards and sj and you will be much much better off.

i think its worth spending a little money on (maybe just a prop and intake grate), especially if u ride somewhere with real smooth water. If ur riding in chop, its definitely not worth it.

 

[Waste Land]

I won't lie though, its not worth it. moding a 550 is worse than leasing a car. just put that 5-600 towards and sj and you will be much much better off.

$500 dollars can buy you a 650 SJ if you find it right....or can pay for 1/2 of a nice reasonably priced 701 SJ

 

[concentrack]

i think its worth spending a little money on (maybe just a prop and intake grate), especially if u ride somewhere with real smooth water. If ur riding in chop, its definitely not worth it.

funny you should say that, becasue that was exactly my experience. i do primarly ride on smooth water mainly jumping wake from wakeboarding boats and large yachts and it's a really good time. trying to ride through rough water on my stock 550 from one destination to another is horrible.

i realize riding a 550 (especially stock) isn't nearly as much fun as riding most other standups, but it's a lot more fun then riding any sitdown or even worse watching from the shore or dock. i have too many other financial committments right now to spend more then about $600 on a toy. for now, i just want to make some inexpensive improvements to make my 550 a little better for this summer and then i'm going to buy brand new (not sure if i'll get a SJ or 800) for the 2008 summer.

thank you all for your help!

 

[pjsrider]

funny you should say that, becasue that was exactly my experience. i do primarly ride on smooth water mainly jumping wake from wakeboarding boats and large yachts and it's a really good time. trying to ride through rough water on my stock 550 from one destination to another is horrible.

i realize riding a 550 (especially stock) isn't nearly as much fun as riding most other standups, but it's a lot more fun then riding any sitdown or even worse watching from the shore or dock. i have too many other financial committments right now to spend more then about $600 on a toy. for now, i just want to make some inexpensive improvements to make my 550 a little better for this summer and then i'm going to buy brand new (not sure if i'll get a SJ or 800) for the 2008 summer.

thank you all for your help!

Look on ebay.. tons of stuff on there come spring time.. not sure how much is on there right now.. you definantly need a pipe, scoop grate, and quick turn plate.. plus an extended ride plate.. The result will be a different riding ski. Should be able to get it done for less than 600 bucks.. pipe should be in the range of 200 scoop grate less than 50. quick turn plane around 30 and ride plate should be around 50. With the money left over look for a high compression head if you have a solid bottem end.. or take your head to a local machine shop and have yours milled down. If you get a good deal on all the stuff listed above.. look for a dual carb setup. probably be the most expensive mod, but it will be worth it..550s might not be the best boats in the world, but they are pretty cheap to build up.

Jay

 

[pjsrider]

I forgot about the impellor.. I am not sure what prop to run, but I believe someone listed a pitch above. I wouldnt buy a used one unless it has no wear on it.

jay

 

[DaUpJetSkier]

def dont buy new, that would be 200 right there. Id go handling first(impeller, rideplate, intake grate) Quicker steering finger throttle and 0 degree bars, Then pipe and mill the head. I really liked my aluminum handlepole but they are hard to find and pricey. For jumping wakes make yourself some lifters to go on the sides of the tray, screw and and glue some hockey pucks, some type of rubber, or even wood painted and covered with hydroturf.

 

[Duster8]

i realize riding a 550 (especially stock) isn't nearly as much fun as riding most other standups, but it's a lot more fun then riding any sitdown or even worse watching from the shore or dock.

I had my 550 for about a year. I recently sold it and bought a square nose with a 701. Ive only been able to ride it maybe 2 hrs or so. Right now, i would have more fun on my old 550 than my superjet. I could do lots more tricks and it was just smaller and more fun to toss around. After it warms up and i get used to the SJ, i know that will all change. but i would never say a 550 isnt as much fun as other standups (well maybe if its in rough conditions).