Real Talk from the Team at REV6

Alright, guys, let’s talk about power—again. It’s easily one of the most talked-about topics in the UTV world. Some of you just get used to the stock performance and start craving more. Others? You got smoked by your buddy’s brand new rig and now you’re deciding whether to upgrade your current machine—or go out and buy something faster.

Here’s the truth: buying a new UTV might sound appealing, but upgrading your current engine is usually the smarter, cheaper, and more rewarding option—if you do it right.

But can you really get your machine to compete with the newer, more powerful platforms on the market?

Let’s break it down.

Getting Started: The Basic Upgrades That Wake Up a UTV

Most riders start with ECU tuning and clutching—and for good reason. These two upgrades alone can completely change the personality of your machine.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECU Tunes

Tuning your ECU does more than just increase power. It removes restrictions and lets your engine run how it should. Here’s what you typically get:

• Speed limiter removal: Unlock top-end potential
• Raised RPM limits: Keep your machine in the powerband longer
• Torque limiter adjustments: Let the engine produce power that factory settings hold back
• Ignition timing advance: Improve combustion and throttle response
• Fuel map optimization: Smoother power delivery and better response across RPM

Depending on your model and setup, naturally aspirated engines can see gains of 10–22 HP. That might not sound huge on paper—but percentage-wise, it’s a significant increase that you will definitely feel.

Clutching: Getting the Power to the Ground

Power is one thing. Getting it to the wheels efficiently is another.

CVT transmissions rely heavily on proper clutch setup. If you’re making more power but haven’t adjusted the clutching, you’re losing performance and risking premature belt wear. At REV6, we offer adjustable clutch weights so you can fine-tune where your power hits.

• Running big tires and slow-speed trails? Shift the weight for aggressive low-end power.
• Want higher speeds and dune-style riding? Tune the clutching for top-end engagement.

Clutching is one of the most versatile performance tools for any UTV. Whether you’re chasing top-end speed or crawling through mud, a dialed-in clutch kit ensures your engine upgrades aren’t wasted.

Going Further: Internal Engine Mods

Once you’ve tuned and clutched your UTV, the next step is upgrading internal components to support more power—and control where that power lives in the RPM range.

Let’s walk through the big-ticket mods and what they actually do.

High Compression Pistons

High compression pistons raise the pressure in the combustion chamber, which leads to:

• Improved throttle response
• Increased torque
• More complete combustion
• Better low-end grunt

They’re a great addition for both trail riders and racers. Just remember—you’ll want to pair them with premium fuel (91+ octane) and proper tuning.

Performance Cams (Stage 1–3)

Camshafts are all about controlling airflow and shaping your powerband. Choosing the right stage cam is crucial:

• Stage 1 Cams: Best for low-end and mid-range torque. Ideal for trail and rock crawling.
• Stage 2 Cams: Shift power into the mid and top end. Great for aggressive trail riding or sand.
• Stage 3 Cams: Maximum top-end performance—but usually sacrifice low-end driveability. Great for race or full send builds.

Pro tip: More aggressive doesn’t always mean better. If your riding style doesn’t involve high-speed, wide-open throttle, a Stage 1 or Stage 2 cam will give you more usable power where you need it.

CNC Porting

Stock cylinder heads are restrictive. They’re built with manufacturing and emissions in mind—not performance. CNC porting reshapes and smooths the intake and exhaust ports, allowing your engine to move more air, more efficiently.

Here’s how it helps:

• Improves mid-to-top-end horsepower
• Increases throttle response
• Reduces intake turbulence for cleaner combustion
• Maximizes power gains from cam and piston upgrades

For example, pairing CNC porting + high comp pistons in a RZR XP 1000 gives you the best of both worlds: strong low-end pull with excellent top-end power for trail and hill work.

Matching the Right Build to Your Riding Style

Not every build fits every rider. It’s easy to throw money at upgrades, but if they don’t align with how you actually use your machine, you could end up with a powerband that feels awkward or underwhelming.

Here are a few smart combos based on real-world setups:

Trail Setup (Balanced Power)

• High comp pistons
• CNC ported head
• Stage 1 cam
• Stage 1 or 2 tune
• Clutch kit tuned for bottom-to-mid RPM

Result: Excellent torque, quick throttle, smooth climb through RPM, reliable for tight turns and elevation changes.

Mud and Rock Crawler

• Stage 1 cam
• High comp pistons
• Rev6 clutching with a heavy low-end setup
• ECU tune with raised torque limits

Result: Snappy, instant power delivery when crawling over obstacles or pushing through bogs.

Sand / High-Speed Desert

• Stage 2 cam
• CNC porting
• High comp pistons or big bore
• Clutch tuned for top-end
• Max RPM ECU tune

Result: Strong top-end pull, longer gear, better boost if turbocharged, and RPMs that stay in the sweet spot.

So, Should You Upgrade?

If you’re happy with your stock machine and just enjoy riding casually, maybe not.

But if you’re:

• Looking for better throttle response
• Tired of getting outrun by newer machines
• Planning a big tire or power-add-on build
• Interested in building a machine that reflects your style

Then yes—upgrading your engine is absolutely worth it.

Final Word from the REV6 Team

The key to building a better UTV engine isn’t just about power—it’s about getting the right power in the right place.

Some riders want low-end torque for the rocks. Others want wide-open top-end speed for the dunes. That’s why we don’t push cookie-cutter upgrades. We ask about your terrain, tires, load, elevation, and riding style before recommending a setup.

And remember: one upgrade won’t transform your machine overnight. But when you stack the right mods together—ECU tuning, clutching, pistons, porting, cams—you start unlocking serious performance.