Signed Radiator Cover (at 45:35) - AUCTION ENDED It's always fun to find out why something was given to you for free... I'd say this Z400 came with it's fair share of problems lol. What do you guys think of my idea to bring it back to showroom condition with dealer accessories?
Mike, I'm not sure how to put this so I'll dispense with the politeness. You need councilling or meds!😅 I say go all out and make it into beast mode. But then on the other hand you already have some killer machines so OK I'll go along with your idea. I'm not happy with your decision but I've been known to be wrong. Only once of course but yes I was wrong. So we'll see how this turns out. 😢
@willythibs3174 if they're straight, I would love to have them! Thank you for offering. Shoot me an email at michaelsabo350@gmail.com if you're serious 🤘
Mike please, as a fellow Z400 owner and enthusiast, please put on a set of 05 and later front shocks with the reservoir and get them sprung and valved for you. I understand you want the factory look but for a better riding experience, I highly recommend you make that upgrade.
*_This build is so nostalgic, it nearly made me cry watching this! I raced my new LTZ-400 for my senior year back in 2004 at the Lorain County Ohio fair!_* _(I will neverrrr forget those days! I had sooo freaking much fun with this ATV! My god man.. this is just soooo nostalgic!🥲)_
Sabo you have no idea how stoked I am for this build ! My Favorite machine and I love that it's one of your dream quads. Can't wait to see the transformation !
Bro thank you so much I've been waiting for you to do a z400 for ever history's was Doug gust took a DRZ motor used it in a honda hybrid frame which got the the attention of Suzuki..then came the ltz400 in 03. Won few championships on it then it was time then the LTR to this the LTR geometry is perfered for these hybrids that are coming out. I sent you a DM a few morhs ago my dad passed away stage 4 lung cancer and i pulled out his/my 2004 LTZ and im completely restoring it. It was you that inspired me to do this. When he was dying your videos literally got me through the 8 months of hospice. I didn't want him to go to to a home so I quit my job blew through my savings and it was just me and him thank you bro for the inspiration. I recently purchased home my Grandfather built and the builds on the back burner but i have everything I need almost. Thank you for being such a good content creator and inspiring me.
This video spoke to me & my childhood powersports dreams. Your channel actually inspired me to do a build of my own, & back in 2021 I picked up my childhood dream quad, the 2008 KTM 525XC. Two years & almost $20k later, I'd completely tore down & built a bored over pro-national ready beast from the ground up. It's become my pride & joy, & it feels completely unreal to finally own something I remember staring at in the ATV magazines back in the day & building to my liking while playing MX vs ATV lol keep up the awesome content Mike, I can't wait to see how this project turns out!
this is great because i just bought a beat up ltz 400 a month ago and have been replacing & fixing many things on it. thank you for this one! keep up the good work mike!
I bought an 03 LTZ last year and that's actually how I found your channel. Glad to finally see a video on one. I absolutely love these machines. My LTZ has a built engine that made 46hp on the dyno which is pretty respectable.
SABO!!!! I bought a trashed Raptor 700, and I'm loving the resto process. You have motivated me to make the quad resurrection a side gig. Just because I dig these classic monsters! Lookin forward to finding one of these 'Zuki's! thanks for inspiring me bro! KEEP EM COMING!
Happy to see another project. I’d absolutely love to see another 400ex project, but a full teardown and rebuild. No one has yet to make a solid engine build video for those.
I had a KFX400 that I raced in hare scrambles. It was a great quad and bullet proof. My vote is to build it full XC. Oversized tank, XC tires, beadlocks, long travel suspension. If you go that route get a different swingarm because the carrier on the stock one is terrible. Love your videos!
My Dream Quad was the Quadzilla, rode one when I was 14 in 1995 and I was in Awe of that machine! Took me 21 years to actually own one!! I get the obsession. Took me 3yrs and Close to 10K to get it how I wanted it! ❤
Damn, Im so happy I finally see Z400 on this channel. I own very unique street legal Z400 and Im incredibly happy with this quad. It handles so well, its pretty small and humble, drifting with this quad is just so easy lol. Reliability wise Im happy too, but previous owner didnt take much care of my quad so there were a few issues - carburetor, brakes and worn valves. The biggest problem with this quad are VIBRATIONS ! Literally every single bolt became loose over those years I own this quad. Locktite is a MUST here. I like your idea with 100% stock Z400, but... Quads (in my personal opinion) are for using/riding not for looking. Those stock shocks are literally UNUSABLE. Its like having a flat steel instead of shocks. Also, I almost rolled over my stock Z400 (when I bought it) like 5 times, so using a spacers at least in front is again, in my opinion, a must. Lastly, stock Z400 lacks a power, you will get used to powerband of Z400 within weeks/months and then it will get pretty boring. I bought Namura big bore kit for around 350$ and Im happy with power that it makes right now. BTW I have walk by of my quad at my channel (last video), so feel free to check it out (I did graphics myself)
Built one for a buddy last year. Did the drz upgrade with cams, single layer base gasket, dynatek cdi, and a lightened flywheel. Ran like a champ and would out run a stock yfz450 by a lot. Definitely something you should consider doing.
I’ve had both the 400ex & the Z400…the Z400 is still in the garage. The 400ex is a great quad, but the short stroke liquid cooled DOHC Z400 engine just rips. Add a BIG Bore & cams & you have total ripper. I picked up super clean 2006 last yr from a seller in MI. Prob my fav all rounder quad out off all the ones I’ve fixed & sold. Like you….i fell in love with quads around age 10-11, right when quads were being introduced after ATC’s were going out of production in the mid 80’s. Lookin forward to seeing this build. You do great work & are very detail oriented & don’t even skip the small things 👍🏻
Just picked up a 2003 z400 last year. I can’t wait for a ton of in depth videos on this! I recommend an aftermarket aluminum oil pan as the stock ones threads are very weak.
Also I think y would be cool to see you fix all of the known issues with the quad and leave most of the drivetrain stock for reliability and it’ll become a good build for others to follow in the future
Awesome build idea mike! I too always wanted one of these when I was younger . But when I got old enough to afford one I bought a 450 R instead so I never really got to experience it. Can’t wait to see the finished product! I know it will be immaculate as always
Excited to watch this build. I had a 06 kfx400 years ago. Excellent fun quad. I would argue just as durable as a Honda 400ex if not more so. I like your idea of a showroom build. Signing and giving a shout out to the helmet winners was a nice jesture. Looking forward to the next video drop!
Thanks for the invite, I have a 2004 KFX400 you can get the head lamp piece at Moto sport ,but it's black ,white and yellow aren't available now , can't wait to see you get into it.👍👏👏👏👏👊
Definitely should get you a k&n airbox cover it opens the top of the airbox up and is basically like running no lid but your filter stays clean and you don't have to worry about water splashing into your airbox I found one on a parts z400 I got a few years back and that was one of my favorite upgrades for the z
Yep I used to do the same thing at the Honda dealer with the 400ex! And I remember when the z400 was released along with those dirt wheels shootouts because I was a subscriber to the magazine!
As you know,love all your vids! I’m stoked for the Z build. I’m a little older than you so my favorite dealer quad was the 230S. Took me a while to finally pick one up but I had the 88 in white and blue with the fairing around the headlight. I was hoping you were gonna do the white and blue scheme as well. Either way,can’t wait to see the brand new stock machine. No doubt it will be sick!!
Mike the Z400 is my wheelhouse. Been on z400central (now suzukicentral) since 2004. Trust me here on this one, simple yet powerful build - 94mm 12.5:1 CP (with single layer DRZ-e base gasket), DRZ valve springs, HC 2 (or old school HC 3 if you can find them), and here's the key - FCR 39mm. The stock mikuni 36 will be your weakpoint, FCR changes all of that, you'll need the DRZ intake boot which is bigger and much less of a headache. Add a 400ex intake tube (much straighter shot) and you're cooking. I'm sure you'll touch the head like you normally do. Dyna FS if you need an ignition. You'll have a reliable and powerful runner, NO REGERTS!
I have rebuilt a few of these 400 engines. For some extra Pep Get yourself a carburetor off the drz 400e model! Also try and find the drz 400e cams or a pair of hot cams, also if you get the Drz gasket for a bit more compression!
I’m amped over this build! I felt/feel the same way about the atvs and just recently got one myself!!! Mine is white and blue. Has pro taper bars,tusk nerf bars,full hmf exhaust, tusk shifter,ITP beadlocks and a bunch of other goodies. I paid $300 for it.
HEY MIKE, GREAT VIDEO! I LOVE YOUR WORK AND THE AMOUNT OF DETAIL YOU PUT INTO YOUR PROJECTS IS BIG TIME. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE! ✌
Super excited for this build ive been watching for years hoping one day you would build one, alot of companies you have recommended on parts i have used on my 2005 ltz drw performance for example and been very happy with. My grandfather restores old cars and trucks and you both are alot alike just with different machines
I was racing my 250r still when these quads were released an at the time the 400ex was the only 4 stroke at the tracks minus a couple 250r’s with YZF426 engines in them (as a Honda guy I thought it broke so many rules!) the 400ex’s were immediately outfitted with 440 kits because they were so down on power then the Z400 came out an was destroying the EX’s however thdd wd EX’s were more popular because if you made the switch from 250r to the EX most of your aftermarket components were a direct bolt on A-arms shocks ect… AKA THE EXPENSIVE PARTS so if you went to the Z400 you had to start over an easily with the purchase of the machine I believe was around $6000 to have $15,000 in it to be competitive at a pro level an in 2003-2004 $15,000 in a quad was insane the also released was the cannondale moto440 for $12,000-$14,000 but it had the absolute best parts money could buy. However in 2003-2004 the Z400’s rear axle was extremely weak and seeing a Z400 axle snapped in half at the track was extremely common an Suzuki didn’t have an updated axle quick enough so if you broke one Suzuki warranty the axle but you got a dura-blue eliminator axle for free
Keep an eye out on those swingarm bearings/bushings and chain sliders! I got my z400 cheapppp tore it down and i kid u not my swingarm was one rough ride from the swingarm totally failing if rode how it was. The chain had been rubbing on the swingarm for so long i had maybe a 1mm of material left on the swingarm where the pivot tubes house the bearings themselves. Damn near was chain to bearing race lol. Did some touch up to it while it was out and made it like it never happened but certainly a super close call. That and hairline cracks in the rear brake bracket mount thats also apart of the rear carrier lol. Went to hit my back brakes one day and damn near ate fence instead cuz the damn mount just sheared off, caliper fell and i drug it all the way back home with partial carrier bearing exposure lol
I just started a frame off rebuild of a 2000 400ex. I’m super excited about it but if I’m honest, I’ve also always wanted a ltz400. I love the way they look and LOVE that they had reverse and liquid cooling. One day I’ll get one and rebuild it. Until then, wish me luck on the 400ex lol.
Hey Mike I love what you do and keep up the good work! I still have my original VGC 03’ Z400 that I bought off the showroom floor in the summer of 02’. As far as I know I had the first white one in my area. Almost all were yellow from what I saw. If you wanna go for a weekend trip to Marienville PA let me know and we could have a classic sport quad trail ride. The Allegheny state trails in Marienville are great and provide almost 100 miles of trails.
Feels good to see you have the same quad as I did 😂 I had a white 05 with a big bore and hot cams and man I loved that thing, super reliable never had one issue and man it ripped. Can’t wait to see this thing done!!
Amazing video. I'm so excited for this build. I love watching your builds of these iconic quads. I don't know anything about the ltz400 so I appreciated you sharing the history of this machine.
Hells yeah! The Sabonator is back! This is my bread and butter for reals, but I sure want to know what's up with that Vette! Love the the work you put in and I feel your pain ...
I've been excited for this build ever since you showed it the first time. I currently have an 06. I've had a few of them and oddly have all been 06. When they first came out, I thought they were kinda ugly. Once I got that first one and rode it out in Winchester Bay, I was hooked. I was looking up 400cc quads and came across the first cheap quad challenge. I've watched most everything you've done since then. Again super excited for this build.
you don't know how long I've been waiting for you to get your hands on a z400!!! i cant wait to see what you can doo with yours i did a budget build on my second gen z400 its on my channel but i am soo pumped to see this thing when it done!🤘
I bought one of these new off the showroom floor in 2007. Was a very good machine. My brother got ahold of the key while I was at work and wrecked it. Payed it off and sold it, but this machine in 2007 was legit!!!
I was lucky enough to buy it's big brother in 06 and put it up...now it needs the dust blown off and the tank cleaned out.... it was such an amazing quad
Love your videos. You’ve already built most of the quads on my bucket list. My favorite quad of all time that I personally owned was a 2007 white and blue LTR 450. upgrades were a Uni filter, full Yoshimura exhaust, and the Yosh cherry bomb, Aftermarket wheels and holeshot tires. would love to see one built by you.
Huge hello from Nothern Ireland! My son and i love your videos michael. So looking forward to this built and more youve to come. All for the OEM look. Keep it up dude!
Great choice! First video was fun. I’ve missed your content. I’m stoked for this build because I’ve been wanting to buy a Z400 after selling my last one. I’m just about done with a full rebuild of my YFZ450R for racing. But I really need a Z400 for a trail quad though! Keep it up! 🤙🏽⚡️
Gonna be an awesome build. Turns out were both the same age and I also drooled over the ltz as a kid at the dealer. There was a Suzuki dealer next to my elementary school
Love this project, looking forward to future episode. The original rear tyre the Dunlop kt335. There a very popular tyre here in Australia in the sand so A fellow rider had copies made of them by a Chinese company unilli. Maybe something worth looking into if you were wanting to go that way.
So excited for the Z400 content. And that skit in the beginning was prime, cuz those swingarm bolts are a pain in the ass to loosen up, at least mine was
Sabo, please put a Manual CCT, new cam chain and checking the valve shims for the correct clearance on the list for this quad. These engines are WELL KNOWN to stretch cam chains.
I think you should build a full mx replica of Doug gusts ltz400. If you want cool oem parts that will fit the ltz from the ltr get ahold of Patrick Riggs he's the ltz400 guy.
Mike ! I’m pumped for this one . @ first I was like not another resto mod but the more I think about it the more i realize that It would be sick for version one z400 to be a resto mod and in the future be evolve into something else ! Like the patriot and voodooshee . Keep up the great work ! C’mon people you all saw the subscribers goals on that board . LIKE & SUBSCRIBE !!! ✊
Love the videos man. Just picked up a 2002 400ex a few years ago after selling my previous one about 6-7 years ago. Very excited to work on it and get back onto a manual sport quad.
Been waiting for an LTZ for so SO long mike! This was my first full size sport quad when i was 16 yo😅 can’t wait to see the progress on this one! As well keep up the good work, 🤟🏻🤟🏻
Signed Radiator Cover (at 45:35) - AUCTION ENDED
It's always fun to find out why something was given to you for free... I'd say this Z400 came with it's fair share of problems lol. What do you guys think of my idea to bring it back to showroom condition with dealer accessories?
I have oem handle bars and a subframe I can donate to the build
Mike, I'm not sure how to put this so I'll dispense with the politeness. You need councilling or meds!😅 I say go all out and make it into beast mode. But then on the other hand you already have some killer machines so OK I'll go along with your idea. I'm not happy with your decision but I've been known to be wrong. Only once of course but yes I was wrong. So we'll see how this turns out. 😢
@willythibs3174 if they're straight, I would love to have them! Thank you for offering. Shoot me an email at michaelsabo350@gmail.com if you're serious 🤘
Mike please, as a fellow Z400 owner and enthusiast, please put on a set of 05 and later front shocks with the reservoir and get them sprung and valved for you. I understand you want the factory look but for a better riding experience, I highly recommend you make that upgrade.
Man how can you hate sabos vids
*_This build is so nostalgic, it nearly made me cry watching this! I raced my new LTZ-400 for my senior year back in 2004 at the Lorain County Ohio fair!_*
_(I will neverrrr forget those days! I had sooo freaking much fun with this ATV! My god man.. this is just soooo nostalgic!🥲)_
no wayyyyyy!! Welcome back Mike! 😬🤘
Peeeeeeete!
Peter eater
You guys Rock , Happy New year fellas.
Sabo you have no idea how stoked I am for this build ! My Favorite machine and I love that it's one of your dream quads. Can't wait to see the transformation !
Happy to hear you're stoked about it man!
Bro thank you so much I've been waiting for you to do a z400 for ever history's was Doug gust took a DRZ motor used it in a honda hybrid frame which got the the attention of Suzuki..then came the ltz400 in 03. Won few championships on it then it was time then the LTR to this the LTR geometry is perfered for these hybrids that are coming out. I sent you a DM a few morhs ago my dad passed away stage 4 lung cancer and i pulled out his/my 2004 LTZ and im completely restoring it. It was you that inspired me to do this. When he was dying your videos literally got me through the 8 months of hospice. I didn't want him to go to to a home so I quit my job blew through my savings and it was just me and him thank you bro for the inspiration. I recently purchased home my Grandfather built and the builds on the back burner but i have everything I need almost. Thank you for being such a good content creator and inspiring me.
By far the best trail quad out there! The features are all upgrades from the 400EX. My favorite quad all day.
This video spoke to me & my childhood powersports dreams. Your channel actually inspired me to do a build of my own, & back in 2021 I picked up my childhood dream quad, the 2008 KTM 525XC. Two years & almost $20k later, I'd completely tore down & built a bored over pro-national ready beast from the ground up. It's become my pride & joy, & it feels completely unreal to finally own something I remember staring at in the ATV magazines back in the day & building to my liking while playing MX vs ATV lol keep up the awesome content Mike, I can't wait to see how this project turns out!
Very cool man. It makes my day hearing that I inspired you to build that KTM. Thank you for sharing your story and for watching my video 🤘
this is great because i just bought a beat up ltz 400 a month ago and have been replacing & fixing many things on it. thank you for this one!
keep up the good work mike!
I bought an 03 LTZ last year and that's actually how I found your channel. Glad to finally see a video on one. I absolutely love these machines. My LTZ has a built engine that made 46hp on the dyno which is pretty respectable.
SABO!!!! I bought a trashed Raptor 700, and I'm loving the resto process. You have motivated me to make the quad resurrection a side gig. Just because I dig these classic monsters! Lookin forward to finding one of these 'Zuki's! thanks for inspiring me bro! KEEP EM COMING!
Dude, that's awesome that I could inspire you. Good luck on your 700 build 🤘
Happy to see another project. I’d absolutely love to see another 400ex project, but a full teardown and rebuild. No one has yet to make a solid engine build video for those.
I should do one of those one of these days - the 400ex deserves it
Look up 2 vintage he works on every single machine and a few 400ex see if he has any
I had a KFX400 that I raced in hare scrambles. It was a great quad and bullet proof. My vote is to build it full XC. Oversized tank, XC tires, beadlocks, long travel suspension. If you go that route get a different swingarm because the carrier on the stock one is terrible. Love your videos!
Man, this is a tempting idea for sure. Thank you for the love on my videos 🤘
Nice to see a revival of these classics.
My Dream Quad was the Quadzilla, rode one when I was 14 in 1995 and I was in Awe of that machine! Took me 21 years to actually own one!! I get the obsession. Took me 3yrs and Close to 10K to get it how I wanted it! ❤
Damn, Im so happy I finally see Z400 on this channel. I own very unique street legal Z400 and Im incredibly happy with this quad. It handles so well, its pretty small and humble, drifting with this quad is just so easy lol. Reliability wise Im happy too, but previous owner didnt take much care of my quad so there were a few issues - carburetor, brakes and worn valves. The biggest problem with this quad are VIBRATIONS ! Literally every single bolt became loose over those years I own this quad. Locktite is a MUST here. I like your idea with 100% stock Z400, but... Quads (in my personal opinion) are for using/riding not for looking. Those stock shocks are literally UNUSABLE. Its like having a flat steel instead of shocks. Also, I almost rolled over my stock Z400 (when I bought it) like 5 times, so using a spacers at least in front is again, in my opinion, a must. Lastly, stock Z400 lacks a power, you will get used to powerband of Z400 within weeks/months and then it will get pretty boring. I bought Namura big bore kit for around 350$ and Im happy with power that it makes right now. BTW I have walk by of my quad at my channel (last video), so feel free to check it out (I did graphics myself)
right on dude , the z400 was an amazing quad in its time .
Hell yea man!
Built one for a buddy last year. Did the drz upgrade with cams, single layer base gasket, dynatek cdi, and a lightened flywheel. Ran like a champ and would out run a stock yfz450 by a lot. Definitely something you should consider doing.
Also added a sparks exhaust and a 400ex intake boot 👍🏻
fcr carbs on these engines are insane upgrades
Sounds like a great build - I'd love to do these things if I were going the restomod route.
All i seen was "it took 20 years to get m" and i thought Michael sabo got married😂
I thought he was married lol
He’s married to the game 💪🏻
no one cares
Shiii nothing even comes out of being married except you can lose ur house and half ur money or business if u have one this generations so fried😭
I’ve had both the 400ex & the Z400…the Z400 is still in the garage. The 400ex is a great quad, but the short stroke liquid cooled DOHC Z400 engine just rips. Add a BIG Bore & cams & you have total ripper. I picked up super clean 2006 last yr from a seller in MI. Prob my fav all rounder quad out off all the ones I’ve fixed & sold.
Like you….i fell in love with quads around age 10-11, right when quads were being introduced after ATC’s were going out of production in the mid 80’s.
Lookin forward to seeing this build. You do great work & are very detail oriented & don’t even skip the small things 👍🏻
this was my first brand new quad! same year and color. cant wait to see what you shape it into. Glad to see you back in the garage.
Just picked up a 2003 z400 last year. I can’t wait for a ton of in depth videos on this! I recommend an aftermarket aluminum oil pan as the stock ones threads are very weak.
Also I think y would be cool to see you fix all of the known issues with the quad and leave most of the drivetrain stock for reliability and it’ll become a good build for others to follow in the future
Super stoked about this build! I had a brand new z400 white with purple/blue seat. Loooved that machine.
Really excited about this build Mike! i really like the direction you are taking by building a stock quad. Keep it up man!
Keep up the good work love your videos 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
i had a 2007 ltz400. Such an amazing machine. Never let me down and i was a teenager giving it hell every day! miss it.
take the baffle out of the exhaust if you wanna make the neighbors mad 🤣
also 100% stock other than nerf bars. you can’t go wrong with the stock build.
Don’t forget the weakness of the front shock mount areas on the frame, the recalls, and the swingarm cracking. Things to look for
Sabo is back. Hell yeah!
Love it Sabo.....l can't wait to watch the journey it takes you on and see it when it's done. Good luck brother and I hope all goes well! ✌️
Dude i almost forgot how good your videos are. Love the little skits and everything. Thanks for the video man. Love everything you do. Thank you
I appreciate the love Jeff 🤘
I just sold my ltz400, fun quad. One thing to keep an eye on is that swing arm. They are notorious for cracking.
Awesome build idea mike! I too always wanted one of these when I was younger . But when I got old enough to afford one I bought a 450 R instead so I never really got to experience it. Can’t wait to see the finished product! I know it will be immaculate as always
Excited to watch this build. I had a 06 kfx400 years ago. Excellent fun quad. I would argue just as durable as a Honda 400ex if not more so. I like your idea of a showroom build. Signing and giving a shout out to the helmet winners was a nice jesture. Looking forward to the next video drop!
Thanks for the invite, I have a 2004 KFX400 you can get the head lamp piece at Moto sport ,but it's black ,white and yellow aren't available now , can't wait to see you get into it.👍👏👏👏👏👊
Definitely should get you a k&n airbox cover it opens the top of the airbox up and is basically like running no lid but your filter stays clean and you don't have to worry about water splashing into your airbox I found one on a parts z400 I got a few years back and that was one of my favorite upgrades for the z
Yep I used to do the same thing at the Honda dealer with the 400ex!
And I remember when the z400 was released along with those dirt wheels shootouts because I was a subscriber to the magazine!
As you know,love all your vids! I’m stoked for the Z build. I’m a little older than you so my favorite dealer quad was the 230S. Took me a while to finally pick one up but I had the 88 in white and blue with the fairing around the headlight. I was hoping you were gonna do the white and blue scheme as well. Either way,can’t wait to see the brand new stock machine. No doubt it will be sick!!
Mike the Z400 is my wheelhouse. Been on z400central (now suzukicentral) since 2004. Trust me here on this one, simple yet powerful build - 94mm 12.5:1 CP (with single layer DRZ-e base gasket), DRZ valve springs, HC 2 (or old school HC 3 if you can find them), and here's the key - FCR 39mm. The stock mikuni 36 will be your weakpoint, FCR changes all of that, you'll need the DRZ intake boot which is bigger and much less of a headache. Add a 400ex intake tube (much straighter shot) and you're cooking. I'm sure you'll touch the head like you normally do. Dyna FS if you need an ignition. You'll have a reliable and powerful runner, NO REGERTS!
I have rebuilt a few of these 400 engines. For some extra Pep
Get yourself a carburetor off the drz 400e model! Also try and find the drz 400e cams or a pair of hot cams, also if you get the Drz gasket for a bit more compression!
I’m amped over this build! I felt/feel the same way about the atvs and just recently got one myself!!! Mine is white and blue. Has pro taper bars,tusk nerf bars,full hmf exhaust, tusk shifter,ITP beadlocks and a bunch of other goodies. I paid $300 for it.
HEY MIKE, GREAT VIDEO! I LOVE YOUR WORK AND THE AMOUNT OF DETAIL YOU PUT INTO YOUR PROJECTS IS BIG TIME. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE! ✌
Thank you for the love Mike! 🤘
Super excited for this build ive been watching for years hoping one day you would build one, alot of companies you have recommended on parts i have used on my 2005 ltz drw performance for example and been very happy with. My grandfather restores old cars and trucks and you both are alot alike just with different machines
I was racing my 250r still when these quads were released an at the time the 400ex was the only 4 stroke at the tracks minus a couple 250r’s with YZF426 engines in them (as a Honda guy I thought it broke so many rules!) the 400ex’s were immediately outfitted with 440 kits because they were so down on power then the Z400 came out an was destroying the EX’s however thdd wd EX’s were more popular because if you made the switch from 250r to the EX most of your aftermarket components were a direct bolt on A-arms shocks ect… AKA THE EXPENSIVE PARTS so if you went to the Z400 you had to start over an easily with the purchase of the machine I believe was around $6000 to have $15,000 in it to be competitive at a pro level an in 2003-2004 $15,000 in a quad was insane the also released was the cannondale moto440 for $12,000-$14,000 but it had the absolute best parts money could buy. However in 2003-2004 the Z400’s rear axle was extremely weak and seeing a Z400 axle snapped in half at the track was extremely common an Suzuki didn’t have an updated axle quick enough so if you broke one Suzuki warranty the axle but you got a dura-blue eliminator axle for free
So glad to finally see one of these! I have a 03 z400 with a 05 engine. Got a 440 kit on it. Thing rips!!
Awesome 👏🏾
Been waiting for this build a long time!!!
Let’s go!!!
I love this quad, I got one in boxes and went throught it with a comb and went big bore with stage 5 full system exhaust and is wild!
Keep an eye out on those swingarm bearings/bushings and chain sliders! I got my z400 cheapppp tore it down and i kid u not my swingarm was one rough ride from the swingarm totally failing if rode how it was. The chain had been rubbing on the swingarm for so long i had maybe a 1mm of material left on the swingarm where the pivot tubes house the bearings themselves. Damn near was chain to bearing race lol. Did some touch up to it while it was out and made it like it never happened but certainly a super close call. That and hairline cracks in the rear brake bracket mount thats also apart of the rear carrier lol. Went to hit my back brakes one day and damn near ate fence instead cuz the damn mount just sheared off, caliper fell and i drug it all the way back home with partial carrier bearing exposure lol
I just started a frame off rebuild of a 2000 400ex. I’m super excited about it but if I’m honest, I’ve also always wanted a ltz400. I love the way they look and LOVE that they had reverse and liquid cooling. One day I’ll get one and rebuild it. Until then, wish me luck on the 400ex lol.
the skit always kills me
loving your videos man
Hey Mike I love what you do and keep up the good work! I still have my original VGC 03’ Z400 that I bought off the showroom floor in the summer of 02’. As far as I know I had the first white one in my area. Almost all were yellow from what I saw. If you wanna go for a weekend trip to Marienville PA let me know and we could have a classic sport quad trail ride. The Allegheny state trails in Marienville are great and provide almost 100 miles of trails.
Feels good to see you have the same quad as I did 😂 I had a white 05 with a big bore and hot cams and man I loved that thing, super reliable never had one issue and man it ripped. Can’t wait to see this thing done!!
Amazing video. I'm so excited for this build. I love watching your builds of these iconic quads. I don't know anything about the ltz400 so I appreciated you sharing the history of this machine.
I have been waiting to see which machine you were doing next. I am happy to see it is a LTZ 400. I will be watching and enjoying.
We need MORE full restoration videos please we love them!
Love that you finally got your dream quad brother it’s going to be so fire when your done as usual
Hells yeah! The Sabonator is back! This is my bread and butter for reals, but I sure want to know what's up with that Vette! Love the the work you put in and I feel your pain ...
Thank you for the love as always bro!
Well worth the wait. Thanks for not forgetting about us ❤🎉🎉🎉🎉
I've been excited for this build ever since you showed it the first time. I currently have an 06. I've had a few of them and oddly have all been 06. When they first came out, I thought they were kinda ugly. Once I got that first one and rode it out in Winchester Bay, I was hooked. I was looking up 400cc quads and came across the first cheap quad challenge. I've watched most everything you've done since then. Again super excited for this build.
you don't know how long I've been waiting for you to get your hands on a z400!!! i cant wait to see what you can doo with yours i did a budget build on my second gen z400 its on my channel but i am soo pumped to see this thing when it done!🤘
Finally a Suzuki thank you so much. After this one how about Lt 250 R quadracer
when i was a kid i used to drool over the banshee. (well i still do) and wanting to get one since then.
I bought one of these new off the showroom floor in 2007. Was a very good machine. My brother got ahold of the key while I was at work and wrecked it. Payed it off and sold it, but this machine in 2007 was legit!!!
Loved seeing the powersports nation video. And love seeing that this machine will live to see another day in better form than it ever was.
I have waited so long for this vid. You made my dream come true
Perfect time for a build video. Nice and rainy today sucking all of my motivation to do anything so instead I’ll watch you do things lol
Ahh a man of excuses. I can relate. 😋
@@CosmosArchipelago I mean it’s the 4th Saturday of the month and the sun was in my eyes so….. lol 😂
I was lucky enough to buy it's big brother in 06 and put it up...now it needs the dust blown off and the tank cleaned out.... it was such an amazing quad
Man, so glad you are doing this right now !! Just picked up a beat '04, so I'll be restoring mine simultaneously!
Your attention to detail, and quality of work, makes for interesting content, keep up the excellent work.
Love your videos. You’ve already built most of the quads on my bucket list. My favorite quad of all time that I personally owned was a 2007 white and blue LTR 450. upgrades were a Uni filter, full Yoshimura exhaust, and the Yosh cherry bomb, Aftermarket wheels and holeshot tires. would love to see one built by you.
There's always hope when Mike Sabo's on the job...
Haha, thank you bro
Huge hello from Nothern Ireland! My son and i love your videos michael. So looking forward to this built and more youve to come. All for the OEM look. Keep it up dude!
and here it is !!!! LTZ400.. ! you rock man !
I've had them all, and this one was the most playful fun quad I've had. Total wheelie machine
I just got a 2005 KFX 400 and it’s my dream quad. So fun and easy to rip around, all around it’s a great trail quad and wheelie machine too
Best all around sport quad ever made in my opinion they are awesome rigs!
Always excited when i see to post.. GREAT CONTENT!
My favorite skit so far
Always with the top notch builds, this is going to be a ripper when done 🤙
Thank you Wyatt!
Great choice! First video was fun. I’ve missed your content. I’m stoked for this build because I’ve been wanting to buy a Z400 after selling my last one. I’m just about done with a full rebuild of my YFZ450R for racing. But I really need a Z400 for a trail quad though! Keep it up! 🤙🏽⚡️
I missed the quad videos sooo much!! Glad to see that you’re back. This is awesome, let’s go!👍🤙
Very good idea to keep this thing stock from dealership 🤩
Such a great engine platform. Not the fastest but super reliable and tons of goodies available! I own 2 drz 400 dual sports
Great find, just remember a case saver! They are notorious for a thrown chain hitting the shift shaft and breaking the case.
Gonna be an awesome build. Turns out were both the same age and I also drooled over the ltz as a kid at the dealer. There was a Suzuki dealer next to my elementary school
I really love the OEM build , definitely a cool idea.
I definitely think you should do the dealer equipped one
Love this project, looking forward to future episode.
The original rear tyre the Dunlop kt335. There a very popular tyre here in Australia in the sand so A fellow rider had copies made of them by a Chinese company unilli. Maybe something worth looking into if you were wanting to go that way.
I think that’s an awesome idea I love keeping quads factory original just kinda looks the best !
So excited for the Z400 content. And that skit in the beginning was prime, cuz those swingarm bolts are a pain in the ass to loosen up, at least mine was
Stock builds are always cool. Not quad related but I’m building my 92 f150 as you would’ve gotten from the show room.
Very cool man; good luck with your F150!
I remember that exact dirt wheels magazine. When I was a kid I used to write to them , and I got in their readers rides section once
Sabo, please put a Manual CCT, new cam chain and checking the valve shims for the correct clearance on the list for this quad. These engines are WELL KNOWN to stretch cam chains.
I think you should build a full mx replica of Doug gusts ltz400. If you want cool oem parts that will fit the ltz from the ltr get ahold of Patrick Riggs he's the ltz400 guy.
Mike ! I’m pumped for this one . @ first I was like not another resto mod but the more I think about it the more i realize that It would be sick for version one z400 to be a resto mod and in the future be evolve into something else ! Like the patriot and voodooshee . Keep up the great work !
C’mon people you all saw the subscribers goals on that board . LIKE & SUBSCRIBE !!! ✊
Thank you for the love man! I have ideas brewing for something to compliment the Voodoo 😎
@@MichaelSabo The VOodoo-Z 😍
Hell yeah finally another build series from Mr.Sabo !!!!👍👍👍👍👍
Love the videos man. Just picked up a 2002 400ex a few years ago after selling my previous one about 6-7 years ago. Very excited to work on it and get back onto a manual sport quad.
Im pumped for this build all for the dealer equipped would be sick
Been waiting for an LTZ for so SO long mike! This was my first full size sport quad when i was 16 yo😅 can’t wait to see the progress on this one! As well keep up the good work, 🤟🏻🤟🏻
Been waiting for another build!
Been waiting years to see you finally do a Z400!
Can't wait for you finish the quad Mike it's going to be bad ass just like all your other builds