TMW Off-Road Project Genesis: 200+ HP RZR XP 4 1000 Build

Posted on July 10, 2015
10:04 am

TMW Off-Road transformed a new 2015 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 into Project Genesis, a four-seat dune machine combining more than 200 horsepower with long-travel suspension, internal-bypass shocks and a carefully integrated collection of aftermarket upgrades.

The project did not trace the Polaris RZR back to its earliest roots, but it reflected TMW Off-Road’s long-standing approach to building high-performance machines. Finished in metallic blue and pearl white, Genesis was built to run hard in Glamis rather than simply attract attention in the parking lot.

The 2015 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 was already a capable four-passenger sport UTV. Project Genesis pushed that platform much further with a turbocharged Weller Racing engine, Lone Star Racing suspension, FOX internal-bypass shocks, STM clutches and a long list of supporting upgrades.

Lone Star Racing Long-Travel Suspension

TMW began with a new 2015 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 and stripped it to the frame before the machine had even been broken in. The first major upgrade was a Lone Star Racing MTS +7-inch long-travel suspension system constructed from certified 4130 chromoly tubing.

The TIG-welded suspension widened the RZR by 3.5 inches per side and increased wheel travel to approximately 20 inches. The wider track also improved stability during high-speed cornering and when crossing steep sidehills.

FOX 3.0 Podium internal-bypass shocks used on TMW Project Genesis — FOX steel-body internal-bypass shocks were selected to control the additional suspension travel.

TMW paired the suspension with FOX steel-body internal-bypass shocks. Although steel shock bodies add some weight compared with aluminum, they were selected for their strength and durability under hard dune and desert use.

The Lone Star Racing and FOX combination had already demonstrated its potential in competition, giving TMW confidence that the suspension could withstand the speed and weight of this heavily modified four-seat RZR.

A Turbocharged Weller Racing Engine

STM Powersports billet clutch installed in TMW Project Genesis — STM billet clutches and a K&T Performance turbo system helped Project Genesis deliver more than 200 horsepower.

K and T Performance turbo system on TMW Project Genesis RZR — STM billet clutches and a K&T Performance turbo system helped Project Genesis deliver more than 200 horsepower.

Twenty inches of suspension travel would not have been nearly as entertaining without the power to use it. TMW sent the ProStar 1000 engine to Weller Racing for a comprehensive high-performance build.

Internal upgrades included Carrillo forged connecting rods, forged pistons, ported cylinder heads, turbo-specific camshafts and stronger head studs. A K&T Performance turbo system supplied the boost, while a custom bed cover created the additional space and airflow required by the installation.

A custom Muzzy exhaust completed the engine package, delivering a deep performance tone without making the four-seater unnecessarily loud. The finished combination produced more than 200 horsepower—an extraordinary figure for a RZR XP 4 1000 of this era.

Project Genesis also illustrates an important stage in the broader history of the Polaris RZR. Years before manufacturers offered today’s extreme-horsepower sport UTVs, builders were using turbochargers, reinforced engines and long-travel suspension to explore the limits of the XP 1000 platform.

TMW Venom X4 Cage and Custom Interior

Triple X Black Widow suede seats in TMW Project Genesis RZR XP 4 — Triple X Black Widow suede seats and Simpson harnesses secured all four occupants.

TMW installed its Venom X4 roll cage, giving the large four-seat RZR a lower, cleaner profile. The builder deliberately left off a front bumper to preserve the uncluttered appearance, then powder coated the aftermarket components to complement the metallic blue and pearl white color scheme.

Inside, Triple X Black Widow suede suspension seats and Simpson harnesses held all four occupants securely. The seating and restraint package was a functional upgrade for a machine capable of accelerating and crossing rough terrain far more quickly than a stock XP 4 1000.

Rigid Industries Lighting Package

Rigid Industries 30-inch RDS LED light bar on TMW Project Genesis — A 30-inch Rigid Industries RDS light bar provided the primary forward lighting.

The stock headlights were supplemented by a complete Rigid Industries lighting system. A 30-inch RDS curved LED light bar provided long-range visibility, while an SR-Series 10-inch light bar was integrated into a custom grille.

Rigid D2 Dually lights illuminated the corners, A-Series lights provided rock lighting and SR-M lights handled reverse illumination. Interior dome lights completed a package designed to make nighttime dune runs considerably easier.

STM Clutches, OMF Wheels and STU Paddle Tires

TMW Off-Road Project Genesis RZR XP 4 1000 in the Glamis dunes — Project Genesis was designed as a functional high-horsepower dune machine.

Managing more than 200 horsepower required more than an upgraded engine. TMW installed fully adjustable STM billet clutches to transfer power more effectively and withstand loads well beyond the capability expected from the original clutch system.

Custom OMF beadlock wheels were wrapped in Sand Tires Unlimited Blaster paddle tires. The combination allowed the turbocharged engine to convert its power into forward movement while climbing steep dune faces.

TMW Project Genesis RZR ridge hopping in Glamis — Ridge hopping in Glamis with TMW Off-Road’s Project Genesis.

Rockford Fosgate Audio System

Project Genesis also received a complete Rockford Fosgate sound system. A glovebox-mounted 10-inch powered subwoofer supplied the bass, while 6.5-inch component speakers handled the midrange and high frequencies.

Two slim T-Series amplifiers powered the system and were concealed beneath the bodywork, preserving passenger space and the build’s clean interior appearance.

Wolf Designs Pearl Graphics

Wolf Designs completed the exterior with a custom pearl graphics package. The metallic blue and white colors came alive in direct sunlight, while the precise installation gave the wrap the appearance of a custom-painted finish.

Axia Alloys supplied billet accessories throughout the vehicle, including mirrors, fire-extinguisher mounts and shock-reservoir clamps. Quick Light color-changing whips completed the dune-oriented equipment package.

TMW Off-Road Project Genesis RZR XP 4 driving at Glamis — TMW Project Genesis ran flawlessly during the UTV Industry Ride at Glamis.

Driving Project Genesis at Glamis

TMW did not build Project Genesis to sit on display. The XP 4 was driven hard in the Glamis dunes during the UTV Industry Ride, where it ran flawlessly throughout the event.

The finished machine combined the power needed to attack large dune faces with the suspension control required to carry speed through rough transitions. Just as importantly, the cage, seats, lighting, clutching and drivetrain upgrades were integrated as parts of a complete package rather than added solely for appearance.

Project Genesis was an early example of how far builders could take the original RZR XP 4 1000. TMW later continued its pursuit of extreme RZR performance with the 200-plus-wheel-horsepower Blue Magic RZR XP Turbo.

For additional information about current products and builds, visit TMW Off-Road.