booger1286
ArboristSite Operative
What is everyones facts and opinions on 288 vs 181? I know there very similar but what kind of power difference and which is easier to mod and get power from? Also how do these modded compare to stock 660?
husqvarna 288 vs 181
- Thread starter booger1286
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One of the fastest saws at a GTG I attended a few years ago was a "stock" 181SE.....so I located a really nice one and bought it. Mine has over 180psi compression, and PLENTY of power everyplace, couldn't be happier with it. Problem is, I don't really have a use for it. Does this mean I have CAD?......Cliff
MacLaren
Addicted to ArboristSite
OK, a modded 288XP beat my stock 660 by atleast 25% thru some 20"pine. They are dang good runners. However, that gap would prolly close just a little if both were ran thru large very hard wood, but not much I would imagine. A modded 288XP is very hard to beat any which way you cut it. But then again, so is a modded 660.
old 040
Addicted to ArboristSite
i'm lucky enough to have a 181se, runs awsome just the way it is, don't know if it's been moded, never had a reason to take it apart, but i do know the 288 top end will go right on this saw. the way it runs i don't see any reason to make the change unless i manage to burn it up, let's hope not. as far as mods to the 288, don't know of any other than opening up the muffler some, or minor porting.
pops21
Addicted to ArboristSite
The 181 has a better shaped combustion chamber(smaller I think) then the 288. They are both GREAT saws. ofcourse they are different cc motors. In stock form neither are real HOTRODS. They are torquey saws. The 181se, 281xp and the 288xp all are about the same. I really think the 181 and the 288 would be real close.
181se = 80.7cc's
281xp=81cc's
288xp=87cc's
181se = 80.7cc's
281xp=81cc's
288xp=87cc's
I have a 1985 model 181SE and it blow's 175psi it is complety stock expect for the muffler they turly are great saw's.
booger1286
ArboristSite Operative
I have also heard that they have one ring instead of two. Whats better about this?
pops21
Addicted to ArboristSite
Yes the 181 does have one ring. The one ring *might* produce less compression then two rings but one ring is less resistance then two rings. I also think finding piston and ring for the 181 is harder. Same with the 281. The 181 was popular in chainsaw races because of its cc's. I think the cut off was 80cc's in that class. At 80.7 it was still considered a 80cc or lower saw. Do some searching there is alot of info on the 181 on arborist site. Most of what I'm telling you came me searching this site. Well from what I can remember.
Some of the 181se's had two ring's mine has 2 thin ring's
