Suggestions for modifying a MS 390

[Stihl MS 390]

I recently replaced my old 032 AV and 036 Pro with a MS 390. What mods can y'all recommend? I’m looking for something simple and inexpensive (similar to improving the intake and exhaust on a vehicle to improve the power of the motor).

Thanks!

 

[computeruser]

Do a search for "Muffler Mod," particularly for the 290. This is your best bet for getting a bit more out of your 390.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

What was wrong with the 036 Pro? Unless it was shot, I would have kept it in the first place. Good professional saw. Lighter and as powerful as the 390.

Regardless, do a muffler mod on the 390. Do a search on here for "muffler mod" and you'll get alot of reading. There's a couple of good threads about mods on the 029/290. It's the same muffler as on your 390. Follow those guidlines. As far as simple stuff, that'd be about it up until you get into internal mods, and if you have to ask about internal mods, you probably shouldn't be doing them yourself. No offense, but just a generalization. If you're a machine shop whiz, well then that's a different story.

Welcome to AS.

Jeff

 

[Mr.]

What was wrong with the 036 Pro? Unless it was shot, I would have kept it in the first place. Good professional saw. Lighter and as powerful as the 390.

Regardless, do a muffler mod on the 390. Do a search on here for "muffler mod" and you'll get alot of reading. There's a couple of good threads about mods on the 029/290. It's the same muffler as on your 390. Follow those guidlines. As far as simple stuff, that'd be about it up until you get into internal mods, and if you have to ask about internal mods, you probably shouldn't be doing them yourself. No offense, but just a generalization. If you're a machine shop whiz, well then that's a different story.

Welcome to AS.

Jeff

I was going to say sell it and buy the 360 back as the first step.

Fred

 

[Lakeside53]

I couldn't agree more... with Mr. and Fishhuntetc, and the MS360 will respond much better to muffer and other mods than 390...

 

[Stihl MS 390]

My appologies to the list, a typo can go a long way. My first post should have read that I got rid of the 032 AV and the 026 Pro, (not the 036 Pro). I've spent a fair amount of time with the 036 Pro and the 044, and they are probably my favorite saws due to their good power to weight ratios! However, when buying a new one, the budget limited me from the professional series (I wanted the MS 361), so I opted for the MS 390.

Thanks for all the responses. I will search for muffler mods to see if I can perk up the new saw a little bit.

 

[Diesel JD]

I wonder how different the muffler on the MS390 is from the one for teh MS260 and 360. These look like tehy already have more holes and will flow more air. What do you'all say?