Curtis Sparks Timing Key - Recommend or not?

[shonrt1]

Curtis Sparks offers a key to turn the timing up 7 degrees and I've heard other riders recommend it as an easy, cheap engine mod that turns out a few extra HP. However, I also know it makes the motor run hotter and I don't want to add an oil cooler. I already have a Four Stroke Tech 330 kit on the motor. I'm concerned running the 2 together will cook the motor. But, I plan to run mainly short track MX, some indoors and some fair races, and the motor usually won't be at racing revs for more than 5 - 10 minutes at any one time. I will not be using the quad for any trail riding or GNCC type racing where the motor is running for 1/2 hour or more. My question is, should I worry about the combo of the FST 330 and the turning the timing up making extra heat and burning the motor, or go for the cheap HP?? Anybody have experience with this mod - either good or bad?

[enduro400rider]

i thought they only made the keys for 400s i have never seen one for a 300ex im guessing thats what kind of bike your putting it on, you got a link to that part?

[Sjorge450R]

i personaly wouldnt even be running a 330 kit without an oil cooler

[shonrt1]

Sparks lists the part on their website under the 400 section. However, I know some guys who are running them on 300's and they are quick.

I talked to FST before putting the 330 kit in without the oil cooler. As I said, I run only short track events, where getting the holeshot, being quick on turns and quick throttle response is the key. FST assured me that as long as I run short events, I would not have a problem, and the motor has run great for 2 years now with nothing more than normal maintenance. I'm just wondering if anyone else is running this combo in a similar situation and have they had any problems.

Like everybody else, I just want to be a little bit qucker than the next guy.

[enduro400rider]

hmmm... i never knew they fit 300s i just might have to get one

[300ex_#387]

Hey Dan good luck at those arenacrosses. You going to be running the 200/300 class, or just the beginner? If I were you guys and decided to do that go ahead and run an oil cooler. There not very hard to insall, and that way you wouldn't have to worry. See you guys November 4th at sturgis..good luck.

[kyleschonert]

hes not sure if hes even gonna run yet. hes still deciding if he likes it or not. Im still gonna run the 200/300 class. so he would be goin beginner. Im gonna race 4 stroke c with the LTR and maybe open ametur trophy.

[lumpy300]

called curtis sparks today about the 400 key. they told me it would not work. but, they will make one for the 300 for the same price as the 400, $20.00.

[Sjorge450R]

Originally posted by lumpy300
called curtis sparks today about the 400 key. they told me it would not work. but, they will make one for the 300 for the same price as the 400, $20.00.

what excatly is the timing key? Is it the same as a rev limter?

[2004exrider]

it replaces the stock flywheel key with one that has a cut in it to advance the timing.

Jimmy

[bwamos]

I'm assuming you're 11:1 on the 330. If you go with the timing advance, I garauntee you'll need at least a race fuel mix to keep it from detonating.

[kyleschonert]

yes, were runnin 11:1. We have 110 right now, but have been running 93 in it. Were runnin 110 in the LT-R. So it wont be to much of a problem. This thing doesnt guzzle gas like the LT-R will. How much are oil coolers and how hard are they to install, just to be safe.

[300ex_#387]

Originally posted by kyleschonert
yes, were runnin 11:1. We have 110 right now, but have been running 93 in it. Were runnin 110 in the LT-R. So it wont be to much of a problem. This thing doesnt guzzle gas like the LT-R will. How much are oil coolers and how hard are they to install, just to be safe.

I think fst sells one for around $90. I know the Jagg oil cooler that Sterchi has is around $90. Not hard to install at all. THe Jagg one that Sam has had an oil filter cover already with it and he didnt have to drill holes or anything. Just put the cover on and change the oil.

[bwamos]

Most coolers you just splice into the copper tubing that goes from the case up to the head on the clutch side. Very easy to do.

[2muchquad]

tranny cooler from autozone,less than $35.;)