Rupp Nitro 440 L/C

JDCornFlakes · Post by **JDCornFlakes** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 11:25 pm

Has anyone here ever had much exposure to the 76-77 340 or 440 Liquid cooled Nitros with the Xenoh motor ?

I has kinda stumbled upon one from an old feller near me that has keep it pretty nice. I beleive they were considered quite fast
in their day and perfomed very well. Ever owned or ridden one ??

Also if you have owned or buddy owned one, was there any common problems with them ?

Anyinput of any kind would be appreciated.

Thanx Dave

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 1:39 pm

Hi Dave. I restored one 3 yrs ago and still have it. It's an absolute blast to ride....very fast and quite a nice handling sled. I don't ride it a bunch as I'm scared to blow it up. Evidently, that happens alot and engine parts are getting scarce. But I do try to run it in at least one or two vintage derbies each year. This was one of the most compex sleds I've ever restored as far as disassembly and reassembly was concerned.....kinda time consuming getting all the fibreglass body components into proper alignment, etc. However, it was worth the effort. I've had several people wanting to buy it, but I've got too many hours into it to sell it. Go buy that one and have some fun with it. How much is he asking?

PS: Common probs are cold seizures....you really need to warm these things up thoroughly before you run them hard. Also, watch out for rusted bulkheads and cracks on the tunnel at the rear and on the front edge of the running boards near where the tunnel rivets to the bulkhead.

Attachments:

JDCornFlakes · Post by **JDCornFlakes** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:28 am

Well, he is an old Rupp mechanic and I have spoke with him for many hours. He had at one time 3 of them and many, many parts. It had been totally stripped and re-done completely. He told me of the tunnel splits in back corners and the bulkhead issues. New paint and decals and windshield.

He has riveted all belly pan and side pieces with rubber pad below rivets. He has rebuilt motor, put on an NOS Rupp track and NOS seat cover with all red Rupp snaps. Entire suspension re-done and all new gears and chain. Rebuilt secondary with an Arctic Cat clutch though.

It comes with 2 extra motors, boxes of carbs ( some are brand new) and about 14 extra pistons , sizes from standard to new Wiseco .060 overs. About 3 still brand new complete gasket kits and new crank seals. Also rads, bumpers, clutches, extra skis.

Here are the pictures I took at his house.
Yes I bought it.

Attachments:

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:48 pm

WOW Dave....what a fantastic find! It looks terrific and the extras will really come in handy. I don't need anything right now, but I'm curious if you'd be interested in selling any of the parts in case I run into probs in the future? Congrats on an excellent purchase. I have no idea what you paid, but it looks like a great deal at almost any price.

JDCornFlakes · Post by **JDCornFlakes** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 9:42 pm

Well, he has charged reed valves and jetted it up. It is a 77 motor that is 60 over and he said they were 84 HP stock. Should be around 90-95 HP now he mentioned. I asked him how it goes and he replied " She is a real nasty dancer "
I assume should be a fun ride. Which I intend to ride only a few Sundays each winter.
I will send you some more pixs later. It is actually a 77 with 76 decals.

I PM'd you too. Thanx Dave