029 super and 20 inch bar>>

[JD Guy]

20 inch makes a lot of since to me. Keeps me from bending over as much.

Late to the party but I agree with this recommendation. I run .325 Stihl RS on my 290 with 20” bar. Changed it over to 7 pin rim sprocket. It won’t win any speed contests but prefer it in the hardwoods we cut. If I have need for more get up and go I grab the MS 400 25” bar with 3/8 RS chain. Have had this 290 for years and with a muffler mod it’s been dead nuts reliable. But a bit heavy for the CC’s.

 

[filletboy]

Late to the party but I agree with this recommendation. I run .325 Stihl RS on my 290 with 20” bar. Changed it over to 7 pin rim sprocket. It won’t win any speed contests but prefer it in the hardwoods we cut. If I have need for more get up and go I grab the MS 400 25” bar with 3/8 RS chain. Have had this 290 for years and with a muffler mod it’s been dead nuts reliable. But a bit heavy for the CC’s.

What kind of 'muffler mods'?

 

[ZeroJunk]

What kind of 'muffler mods'?

I think the rule of thumb for the output of the exhaust is 5/8 the area of the exhaust port.
If I got that anywhere it is from this site, so you can blame whoever.

 

[filletboy]

I think the rule of thumb for the output of the exhaust is 5/8 the area of the exhaust port.
If I got that anywhere it is from this site, so you can blame whoever.

Still don't get the 'muffler mod? Is it an alteration to the actual (exhaust) port?

 

[ZeroJunk]

Still don't get the 'muffler mod? Is it an alteration to the actual (exhaust) port?

Yes.

Whoa, let me revise that. It is increasing the size of the muffler output, not the exhaust port of the cylinder

 

[filletboy]

Yes.

Nice
Wondering if that would help with 290 tough to pull start?

 

[ZeroJunk]

Nice
Wondering if that would help with 290 tough to pull start?

Would have nothing to do with it.