Looking to mod a big saw...here are your choices.

[ChipMonger]

Alright so heres the deal, ive gotten an itch to mod a saw, port, exhaust etc. I know this is subjective because everyone has different opinions and preferences, but which saw would you mod? how would you mod it? and why? Here are your choices:

Husky 3120
Husky 395 XP
Stihl 660 Mag
Stihl 880 mag

As of late i mainly find myself cutting Oak, Tulip, and Maple, maybe an Ash every now and then. Im a daily operator, and looking to use this saw not all the time but occasionally.

Lates hear it fellas, let er rip...

 

[2dogs]

What is wrong with the performance of your saw now? What size wood are you cutting?

 

[SWE#Kipp]

If you don't cut "HUGE" timber then a 395 or 660 and my personal choice would be 395 cause i like Huskys and the 395 are smooth running saw

 

[ChipMonger]

2dogs-

Currently im running a Stihl 460 and a 25" bar, full skip, semi-chisel (girlfriend bought it for me), I ran a Husky 385 XP, but it got stolen (thieves). For right now im ok with the power and performance, this is more of a project that would get occasional use. I don't cut huge wood with the exception of the occational monster tulip or oak, most trunks are no more than 33-34 inches and thats on the larger side.

 

[Billy_Bob]

Good grief!

A 660 has a LOT of power!

I had a 460 burn up and installed a larger cylinder/piston. Enlarged the muffler a bit. This is now equal to a 650. Too much saw for me!

I prefer to use my stock 460 most of the time. (Also gets better "gas mileage"...)

 

[ChipMonger]

If you don't cut "HUGE" timber then a 395 or 660 and my personal choice would be 395 cause i like Huskys and the 395 are smooth running saw

Thanks Kipp-

If it were you, what mods would you have done/do?

I loved my husky when i had it...I haven't modded any saw before, so this aspect is new to me. My main objective is higher RELIABLE PERFORMANCE, i dont want to build a saw that has constant issues in the woods because its been messed with to much. I wish i had the chance to wrangle with some huge wood, i think that would kick ass!

 

[Meadow Beaver]

If your only cutting 33"-34" wood don't buy a new saw, port out the 460. Widen and polish the exhaust, widen the intake, take the lip off the lower transfers, and don't forget to mod the muffler.

 

[Turkeyslayer]

I hear woods ported 395's are pretty bad ass

 

[SWE#Kipp]

Thanks Kipp-

If it were you, what mods would you have done/do?

I loved my husky when i had it...I haven't modded any saw before, so this aspect is new to me. My main objective is higher RELIABLE PERFORMANCE, i dont want to build a saw that has constant issues in the woods because its been messed with to much. I wish i had the chance to wrangle with some huge wood, i think that would kick ass!

Start with a muffler mod and see what you think about that and if you want more out of the saw and don't have the knowledge how to do it send it to one of the in house builders here on the forum Jasha and Snelling both make good saws ,,, just remember that once start to run modded saws there is no turning back

 

[joesawer]

Out of those three a 395 is the most bang for the buck and weight.
But a good ported 395 is way over kill for your size trees unless you are milling then imo don't be porting.