What is a rotax???

[1ricorich]

I'm brand new to this site and just bought a 03 rhino. i have heard and seen on the net, videos of R1 rhinos but i have yet to see a rotax Rhino.

Why would some want to put in a rotax instead of a R1, and if its just about power and speed wouldn't the mcx turbo be a good option.

I personally would want to keep 4x4 and reverse. If there is a do it yourself kit to do this rotax or r1 swap, i could definitely get onboard. but if its a shit load of work and money.... whats the up side?

Sorry guys, i'm new, go easy on me.... i'm just trying to learn so i dont back track and lose money!!! Thanks in advance for the help!

[shonuff]

Originally Posted by 1ricorich

I'm brand new to this site and just bought a 03 rhino. i have heard and seen on the net, videos of R1 rhinos but i have yet to see a rotax Rhino.

Why would some want to put in a rotax instead of a R1, and if its just about power and speed wouldn't the mcx turbo be a good option.

I personally would want to keep 4x4 and reverse. If there is a do it yourself kit to do this rotax or r1 swap, i could definitely get onboard. but if its a shit load of work and money.... whats the up side?

Sorry guys, i'm new, go easy on me.... i'm just trying to learn so i dont back track and lose money!!! Thanks in advance for the help!

welcome to rhinotalk... those are all great questions.

rotax motors are v-twin can-am motors which can provide a ton of power and torque. the upside of this motor compared to the R1 is that you are still able to keep 4 wheel drive. there is a install kit out there that makes it much easier to swap, check it... rotax your rhino

[Brian B]

Thanks for the plug Sho!

[triple1050rhino]

Originally Posted by Brian B

Thanks for the plug Sho!

Here's a Rotax Rhino on the dyno yesterday!

YouTube- Broadcast Yourself.

and what kind of power did it make? pump gas?

[Brian B]

Originally Posted by triple1050rhino

and what kind of power did it make? pump gas?

Not enough. I didnt have any clutching tools and couldnt spin it fast enough. I'm going back next week and will have a full dyno report and graphs to show!

The engine designer made 78whp on an Outlander with the same setup!

[1ricorich]

how many cc is that can-am v twin motor?
is it just as reliable as the stock motor of a rhino?
how much more powerful is the can-am over the stock rhino 660cc?
Are there just as many aftermarket parts for the can-am compared to the rhino?
Has anyone on the site used a mcx turbo?

lastly how happy are those who have switched to the rotax?
Thanks for any help! trying to decide which way to go!

[mopar_enthusiast]

BTW you didnt buy an 03 rhino...

[1ricorich]

it might be a 04.... thats just what the guy told me. I guess i should check the paper work.

[450grl]

Maybe he bought it in late 03 - cuz the 04 models come out at the end of the prior year....some people get confused by that.

As for the R1 swaps, there are kits to do those as well. A stock R1 motor with a chain drive setup in a Rhino will make 120 - 130 HP to the rear wheels (per our dyno runs). Chain drive will eliminate 4-wheel drive, so it's not for everyone, but it also eliminates any differential and belt issues as well, and is the most direct way to put power to the ground from the motor. There are also R1 conversions who run a FNR box, and therefore have reverse and a different gear ratio. Some who have a chain drive setup also add an electric reverse if they feel they need it.

If your Rhino is stock width, and you don't want to widen the seats at all, then the RC-51 and SV1000 should fit in there without having to go wider.

With the hesitation the OEM's have right now of putting seriously fast motors into the UTV's, it has created a market for swaps that offers something for everyone - depending on what you are looking to get out of a swap.

[chrisf345]

It sounds like you got the rhino bug.

Get ready to spend $$$$.

Its like a drug. Once you start you cant stop!!!