How To Make A Can-Am Ds 70 Faster – A Complete Guide For Youth ATV

You’ve seen the look on your young rider’s face. They love their Can-Am DS 70, but that initial thrill is starting to fade. They’ve mastered the basics and are now getting left in the dust by their buddies on slightly quicker machines. You know the little quad has more potential locked away inside.

We get it. It’s a common story for this fantastic youth ATV. The good news is that you don’t have to trade it in just yet. There are safe, effective, and often simple ways to give that DS 70 the extra pep it needs to keep the fun going.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the essential maintenance checks that form the foundation of performance, simple “free” mods you can do today, and the best bang-for-your-buck upgrades. Let’s get that little ripper running how it should!

Before You Start: The Foundation of Speed is Maintenance

Before you even think about buying a single performance part, you need to make sure the ATV is in perfect running order. A fast machine is a well-maintained one. Trying to add power to a poorly running quad is like trying to build a house on a shaky foundation—it just won’t work.

This is a critical first step in our how to make a can-am ds 70 faster guide. Neglecting these basics means you’re leaving power on the table and potentially risking damage.

Essential Pre-Modification Checklist

Grab your tools and run through this quick but vital checklist. This is the core of any good how to make a can-am ds 70 faster care guide.

Clean or Replace the Air Filter: An engine needs to breathe. A clogged air filter chokes the engine, robbing it of power. Pull it out, clean it thoroughly with filter cleaner, and re-oil it properly. If it’s torn or worn out, replace it.
Change the Oil: Fresh oil reduces friction and helps the engine run cooler and more efficiently. Check your owner’s manual for the correct oil type and capacity.
Check Tire Pressure: Underinflated tires create a ton of rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for optimal performance.
Inspect and Lube the Chain: A dry, rusty, or overly tight chain will sap power. Clean it, lube it with a quality chain lubricant, and ensure it has the proper amount of slack (usually about an inch of play).

Stage 1: Unleashing “Free” Horsepower with Simple Adjustments

Now for the fun part. The Can-Am DS 70 comes from the factory with a few built-in restrictions to keep it safe for absolute beginners. As your rider’s skills progress, you can safely adjust these to unlock the engine’s true potential.

These initial how to make a can-am ds 70 faster tips cost you nothing but a little bit of time.

Removing Stock Restrictors

Can-Am includes two main restrictors on the DS 70. Modifying these can provide the single biggest jump in performance, but it should only be done when the rider is ready for the extra speed.

The Throttle Limiter Screw: Located on the throttle housing on the handlebars, this screw physically prevents the throttle from being pushed all the way. As your rider gets more comfortable, you can gradually back this screw out to allow more throttle travel and, consequently, more speed.
The Exhaust Restrictor: There is a small plate or washer inside the exhaust pipe where it meets the cylinder head. Removing this small piece allows the exhaust gases to flow out much more freely. You’ll need to unbolt the exhaust header to access and remove it. This will make the ATV louder.

Optimizing the Carburetor (Re-Jetting)

After you let the engine breathe better (by removing the exhaust restrictor or adding parts later), you need to give it more fuel. The carburetor’s “jets” control the air/fuel mixture. When you increase airflow, you must install a slightly larger main jet to prevent the engine from running “lean” (too much air, not enough fuel), which can cause it to overheat and suffer serious damage.

This is one of the most common problems with how to make a can-am ds 70 faster projects—people add parts but forget to tune the carb to match.

How to Make a Can-Am DS 70 Faster with Intake and Exhaust Upgrades

Once you’ve handled the basic maintenance and de-restriction, the next logical step is to improve the engine’s breathing even further. The principle is simple: more air in and more air out equals more power.

Let’s look at the two halves of this equation. When people ask how to how to make a can-am ds 70 faster, this is usually what they’re thinking of first.

Upgrading the Air Intake System

The stock airbox and filter are designed for quiet operation and basic filtration, not maximum airflow. You have a couple of great options here.

High-Flow Air Filter: Swapping the stock paper or foam filter for a performance filter from a brand like Uni Filter or K&N is an easy and affordable upgrade. They allow more air to pass through while still providing excellent protection.
Modify the Airbox Lid: For even more airflow, you can remove the restrictive airbox lid entirely or drill several large holes in it. Be aware that this makes the intake much more susceptible to water and dirt, so it’s best for dry riding conditions.

Pro Tip: Remember, any time you make a significant change to the intake, you MUST check your carburetor jetting. More air requires more fuel.

Installing a Performance Exhaust

The stock exhaust is heavy, restrictive, and quiet. An aftermarket exhaust is one of the most popular mods for a reason. It offers several benefits of how to make a can-am ds 70 faster all in one package.

Improved Power: A well-designed pipe from a brand like FMF or Big Gun helps the engine exhale more efficiently, leading to noticeable gains in horsepower and throttle response.
Weight Savings: Aftermarket systems are typically made from aluminum or stainless steel and are significantly lighter than the stock steel unit.
Better Sound: Let’s be honest, a throaty exhaust note just sounds cool and makes the riding experience more exciting.

A word on eco-friendly how to make a can-am ds 70 faster practices: many performance exhausts are much louder than stock and may not be legal on public trails. Always check local regulations and be respectful of others. Many come with a spark arrestor, which is required for most trail systems.

Gearing and Clutch Mods: Translating Power to the Ground

Making more power is great, but it’s useless if you can’t get it to the wheels effectively. Gearing and clutch adjustments are how you control the delivery of that newfound power.

Sprocket Swaps for Tailored Performance

Changing your front and rear sprockets is one of the easiest ways to change the feel of your ATV. It’s a trade-off between acceleration and top speed.

For Quicker Acceleration: Go down one tooth on the front sprocket or up two to three teeth on the rear sprocket. This is ideal for tight trails, small tracks, and getting out of corners faster. It will, however, reduce your overall top speed.
For More Top Speed: Go up one tooth on the front sprocket or down two to three teeth on the rear. This is best for open fields and long, straight sections where you want to maximize your top end. It will make acceleration feel a bit slower.

Upgrading the CVT Clutch

The DS 70 uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which uses springs and weights to keep the engine in its optimal power range. Upgrading these components can make a huge difference in how “snappy” the ATV feels.

Installing stiffer clutch springs and lighter roller weights will make the clutch engage at a higher RPM, launching the ATV off the line much more aggressively. This is a slightly more involved modification but is well worth it for maximizing acceleration.

Safety First: Best Practices for a Faster Youth ATV

With great power comes great responsibility. As you increase the speed of the DS 70, you absolutely must prioritize the rider’s safety. Following these how to make a can-am ds 70 faster best practices is non-negotiable.

Match Speed to Skill: Never give a rider more speed than they can handle. The modifications, especially removing restrictors, should be done in stages as the rider’s skill and confidence grow.
Upgrade Safety Gear: A faster ATV demands better protection. Ensure your rider has a properly fitting, high-quality helmet, goggles, gloves, riding boots, and chest protector.
Check the Brakes: More “go” requires more “stop.” Inspect the brake pads for wear and consider upgrading to performance brake pads for better stopping power. Ensure the brake fluid is fresh and the lines are in good condition.
Conduct Regular Inspections: A modified ATV is under more stress than a stock one. Before every ride, do a quick “once-over,” checking bolts, chain tension, and tire pressure to catch any potential issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make a Can-Am DS 70 Faster

What’s the easiest and cheapest way to make my DS 70 faster?

The absolute easiest and cheapest mod is to gradually back out the throttle limiter screw on the handlebar. This costs nothing and directly allows for more speed as the rider is ready for it. The next step would be removing the exhaust restrictor plate.

Do I have to re-jet the carburetor after adding an exhaust?

Yes, 99% of the time. A performance exhaust flows much more air, which leans out the air/fuel mixture. You must install a larger main jet in the carburetor to compensate. Failure to do so can lead to poor performance and severe engine damage from overheating.

How fast can a modified Can-Am DS 70 go?

This varies greatly based on rider weight, terrain, and the specific mods. A stock DS 70 is limited to around 15 mph. A de-restricted model can hit 20-25 mph. With a full pipe, intake, and jetting, you could see speeds approaching 30 mph or more.

Are these modifications legal for public trails?

Many performance modifications, especially loud exhausts without a USFS-approved spark arrestor, are not legal for use on public land or state trail systems. These upgrades are typically intended for closed-course racing or use on private property. Always check your local and state regulations.

Unlocking the potential in your Can-Am DS 70 is a rewarding project that can extend the life of the ATV and keep your young rider grinning from ear to ear. By starting with a solid foundation of maintenance and adding modifications thoughtfully and safely, you can create a machine that perfectly matches their growing skills.

Now get in the garage, wrench safely, and get ready for some faster fun on the trails. Happy riding from all of us here at FatBoysOffroad!

Author
Recent Posts

Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.