Cross Country Race Kit?

[Deleted User]

Do these really exzist? If so what do they consist of, Do they make a noticable difference in performance? Thanks

[JoeRainville]

Hi Guys,

Deere marketed two types of Cross Country Race Kits. First was the 1978 Liquifire 340 kit that was a rubber track, long travel aluminum suspension kit and slightly more restictive exhaust manifold for the otherwise stock 78 340 Liquifire. The exhaust manifold was to de-tune the 47 hp LF to 45 hp, the allowed HP limit that year. These kits were sold out long ago, and about impossable to find.

The second kit was for the 80's Liquifire. It was a motor kit to make the sled comply with the 56 hp limit for Cross Country racing. Unfortunately, the kit cut the stock LF by about 9 hp, from it's original approx. 65 hp. This was done with more restrictive porting, jetting, and de-clutching. So, this kit is basically a de-tuning kit. This is the "CC Race Kit" you see around. They look nice on a shelf, but that is about it. You can still find them around however.

IMHO, putting dual carbs on the lighter Sportfire would have been a better choice, assuming it wouldn't spit out the crank. It would have required alot of parts, or a special build sled, but would have wieghed in about 30 to 40 lbs less than a LF. Oh well, just a thought...

I hope this helps,
-Joe Rainville
"Tech-Ed"

[guitardude081]

The CC race kit was for the 76-79 liquifire. It was a different head, I believe possibly clutch parts, exhaust, and suspension upgrades. They do exist, but no one will give one up. It was only made for one year I believe, but it will fit on the 76-79's. It was made to increase or decrease (I can't remember) horsepower so that they were within spec. for the I-500 races. I don't remember exactly what they consisted of, no one has talked about them in like 2 or 3 years on this site. Your best bet is to try to find a CC Liquifire like Ron sonnek's in the restoration section.
~Jack

[JoeRainville]

Hi Jack,

Remember there was no 79 Liquifire, so the first CC race kit Deere marketed was for the 76-78 LF 340's. The 76 Liquifire did not require the use of the more restrictive manifold, as was rated at 45 hp from the factory, and that was the hp limit for 78. I "think" both the 77 and 78's made about 47 hp, and required the de-tunning. Also, the kit (or the factory CC) did not include a special head, but yes, there were different "W" wieghts for the primary.

I have only part of that kit NOS. It was a box that included the exhaust manifold, gaskets, and clutch arms along with jetting instructions.

I also have one of CC race kits for the 80's Liquifire, consisting of new jugs, restrictor plates, drive and driven clutch kits, and instructions.

Both kits are nice to have on the shelf, but not much use otherwise. You can find 78 CC's around, but I have yet to find an 80's Liquifire that was kitted and raced, but one guy on this site did find one.

-Joe Rainville
"Tech-Ed"

[guitardude081]

Well Joe if you ever get in a pinch, remeber that you have 2 brand new LF jugs now. Next time you come to MN, you should swing up to Bemidji, I have a couple of buddies who are into JD. Between us we have around 20 sleds. My hometown of Forest Lake, MN is also Chuck Mosers town, so you can check out his Dator collection which I guess is definatley something to see. I should have restoration pics for you by December for my 1980 Liquifire.
~Jack

[Greenxcracer76]

Joe,

Do you think a Sportfire motor would handle dual carbs? I have a set of dual carb adapters that will bolt on and I was thinking of bolting them on the sled I am working on right now. Where would you start with the jetting and clutching?

Mike