Polaris RZR 1000 Main Stud Installation Guide (2014–2021) — MP888

This guide covers installation of the XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ MP888 main stud kit for the Polaris RZR 1000cc. Prefer a printable copy? Download the PDF manual.

Why an RZR 1000 needs main studs

A RZR lives a harder life than almost any road engine. Sustained high rpm, sudden load changes as the tires unload and hook back up, hard landings, dust, and heat — and that's before a turbo kit and a tune go on it. The 1000cc twin makes real power for its size, and all of that arrives at the crankshaft through the main caps.

Main cap fasteners are what keep the crankshaft bearing bores round and located under that load. Studs do it better than bolts for a structural reason: a bolt is torqued into the case, so it twists and stretches at the same time, while a stud is threaded in finger-tight and stays still while the nut is torqued against it — loading the stud in pure tension. That gives more consistent, more accurate preload, the tensile force in the fastener that becomes clamp force in the joint. XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ main studs are manufactured from our premium XOTIC 7200 steel alloy and backed by a lifetime warranty.

What's in the MP888 kit

• 12 × main studs (XOTIC 7200 alloy) — M10 and M8
• 12 × hardened parallel washers
• 12 × nuts
• 2 × sockets
• 2 × allen wrenches
• 1 × fastener assembly lubricant

Before you start: verify first

Confirm that part number MP888 is compatible with your machine before installing any components. Inspect all package contents for damage and clean as necessary to ensure accurate installation. Separate the M10 and M8 hardware into two groups now. Report any obvious defects or shipping damage to us before proceeding.

How to install main studs on a Polaris RZR 1000

1. Chase the threads. Clean the threads with a thread chaser prior to installing the studs, to ensure accurate fitment and precise torque readings. The manual calls for two: M8 x 1.25 (CS317) and M10 x 1.25 (CS318).
2. Thread the studs in by hand. Screw the main studs in as tight as can be made by hand — no tool necessary, and do not apply torque.
3. Check stud height with a straightedge. Use a straightedge ruler to measure the distance from the mating surface (deck or main cap) to the top of each installed stud. Ensure all studs of the same length group sit level with each other (within 1 mm / 0.040”). Uneven height may indicate debris or incorrect thread engagement. Properly installed studs will bottom out smoothly and show uniform height across all positions. If a stud appears higher or lower than the others, remove it, re-clean the hole, and reinstall by hand. Do not use tools to force studs deeper. Incorrect stud seating can cause off-angle stress, uneven preload, or stud fracture during engine operation.
4. Install the main caps. Set the caps in place and ensure appropriate alignment before any load goes on them.
5. Lubricate. Using the fastener assembly lubricant included in the package, lubricate the threads of the main studs and the nuts.
6. Hand-tighten the nuts. Thread the nuts onto the studs as tight as can be made by hand.
7. Torque each group in three equal steps. Working in the sequence shown in the manual's torque diagram, take the M10 studs through their three stages and the M8 studs through theirs. Use a wrench appropriate to each range.
8. Check the bores. Check the main bores for size and roundness before the crank goes back in.

Polaris RZR 1000 main stud torque specs

M10 studs

M8 studs

Frequently asked questions

What are the main stud torque specs for a RZR 1000?

M10 studs: 25, then 50, then a final 70 ft-lbs. M8 studs: 10, then 20, then a final 32 ft-lbs. Both in three equal steps following the manual's sequence.

Which thread chasers do I need?

Two: M8 x 1.25 (CS317) and M10 x 1.25 (CS318).

Should the studs be torqued in?

No. Thread them in finger-tight only. Torquing a stud in twists it while it's being stretched, which is exactly what running studs is meant to avoid.

Do I need main studs if I'm only running a tune?

Not necessarily — but if the engine is already apart, this is the cheapest time it will ever be to do them. The parts cost far less than the labour of splitting the case a second time.

Doing the top end too?

See our RZR 1000 head stud guide (CP891).

Need help?

For technical support, email support@xotic-performance.com. All XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ fasteners are covered by our limited lifetime warranty. Finished your install? Tag #XOTICPERFORMANCE on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

© 2026 XOTIC PERFORMANCE™. This installation guide is an original copyrighted work of XOTIC PERFORMANCE™. Reproduction, distribution, or use of this content in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Doc ref: 2026.01.31 (web edition 2026.08).