I Think I May Have an Addiction

[C2DJ]

This is my first post, I have been reading for a while. I mostly cut fallen oaks for firewood on a Texas ranch where I help a friend. I started with a Makita DCS 540 that I bough 10+ years ago for $50. On Black Friday I bought my first Stihl, a MS250. Since then, I have picked up several used saws, mostly super cheap, a MS461, another 250, a 193t, and the rancher gave me 2 Echo CS-310's (that I got running and sold) and I recently picked up a 357XP for $100. The 461 has more power than I will ever need and the smaller saws take care of the smaller jobs just fine. I have ZERO need for a custom saw but reading about ported/big bore 357's has caught my attention. From the SN I believe my saw is a 2005 with auto decompression. What kind of $$ would I be looking at for a new ported & polished top end and muffler mod, and who can do it? Thanks for the wealth of information!

 

[cuinrearview]

First, welcome to the site. Next, stay away from aftermarket parts for a nice saw like that. Your OEM piston and cylinder will out perform any of the 47mm "big bore" stuff. Provided you have a good running complete saw that needs little or nothing, you're looking at $200-$300 to have it woods ported, but be careful. Find a reputable builder. If a fella is beating his chest and touting his wares all over looking for work there's probably a reason. Personally I think @huskihl does great woods porting.

The most satisfying mods are the ones you do yourself. That saw will run much better without the base gasket, a muffler mod, and timing advance. Whatever you do make sure it has a metal intake clamp and get rid of the auto decomp system. Both are well known sources of air leaks. Good luck and have fun!

 

[LonestarStihl]

Welcome fellow Texan! There’s a few good modders here if that’s what you want. Sounds like
You’re off to a good start on your saws

 

[Sepia]

If you don't do anything else to your 357xp, you will need to replace/update the intake clamp. Also, the auto decomp is rather notorious but you can read up on that at your leisure.

Edit: And welcome to the site!

 

[jltrent]

From reading I believe you are addicted.....It will only get worse...........

 

[sunfish]

First, welcome to the site. Next, stay away from aftermarket parts for a nice saw like that. Your OEM piston and cylinder will out perform any of the 47mm "big bore" stuff. Provided you have a good running complete saw that needs little or nothing, you're looking at $200-$300 to have it woods ported, but be careful. Find a reputable builder. If a fella is beating his chest and touting his wares all over looking for work there's probably a reason. Personally I think @huskihl does great woods porting.

The most satisfying mods are the ones you do yourself. That saw will run much better without the base gasket, a muffler mod, and timing advance. Whatever you do make sure it has a metal intake clamp and get rid of the auto decomp system. Both are well known sources of air leaks. Good luck and have fun!

What he said!
357xp is a damn good saw!

 

[user 122190]

Don't be this guy --> https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/500-600-plus-chain-saws-for-sale.316257/

 

[sunfish]

& like said, porting isn't really necessary. Base gasket delete & muff mod on this saw will beat many ported 60cc saws.

 

[Deleted member 117362]

If you do nothing to the saw, get rid of that auto-decompression. You can do it yourself with plugs, or Husqvarna makes delete kit for it. Those caused a lot of problems.

 

[s sidewall]

You don't have an addiction, it normal, we are all normal. That's what I tell myself.

Steve Sidwell

 

[Canyon Angler]

You don't have an addiction, it normal, we are all normal. That's what I tell myself.

I'll drink saw to that!

 

[C2DJ]

Thank you all! I will definitely delete the auto-decompression and get a metal clamp on the intake.

 

[rarefish383]

Don't be this guy --> https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/500-600-plus-chain-saws-for-sale.316257/

Many times I have said, there but by the grace of God go I. This was a liked member in the chainsaw community. He made a wrong turn and couldn’t find his way back. He lost every thing he cherished. I see no grace in dragging him before a new member.

 

[Jethro 2t sniffer]

Many times I have said, there but by the grace of God go I. This was a liked member in the chainsaw community. He made a wrong turn and couldn’t find his way back. He lost every thing he cherished. I see no grace in dragging him before a new member.

Quite a sad story that

 

[user 122190]

Many times I have said, there but by the grace of God go I. This was a liked member in the chainsaw community. He made a wrong turn and couldn’t find his way back. He lost every thing he cherished. I see no grace in dragging him before a new member.

Really? I have 3, and only meant to own 2. A wrong turn is 4 or 5, 500 to 600 is a serious sickness. By the way the guy is last reported in jail, and not for owning to may saws.

 

[Canyon Angler]

A wrong turn is 4 or 5, 500 to 600 is a serious sickness. By the way the guy is last reported in jail

 

[LonestarStihl]

You don't have an addiction, it normal, we are all normal. That's what I tell myself.

Steve Sidwell

I like not being normal. Normal people don’t have fun [emoji869]

See I even had to go against the flow there too lol

 

[Ted Jenkins]

I think this is Hotel California once your in there is no way out. Of course you can keep adding a saw once in a while. I think I have fifteen, but actually use them. Nobody has to have a modded saw unless you want one or two or more. Thanks

 

[North by Northwest]

As Tim mentioned previously " Quality Parts " and Knowledgeable Builder is paramount to a successful and reliable finished product !