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  1. Prof Member

    joined: Oct 18, 2011
    93 posts
    Western PA
    Recently had a Stihl dealer tell me that a muffler mod for my 310 would not give any gains in hp. I don't know a ton about small engines, but I'm pretty sure he was wrong?
    #1

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  2. HittinSteel Minister of Fire

    joined: Aug 11, 2008
    1,419 posts
    Northeastern Ohio
    Careful, there are a lot of morons out there. You have found one.

    The 290/310/390 are heavy anemic pigs stock. When the muffler is opened and the carb properly tuned, they can become an acceptable saw for their weight.
  3. BrianK Feeling the Heat

    joined: Dec 26, 2011
    421 posts
    West central PA
    I have an MS290, just a couple months old. How hard is the muffler mod? Any links? If it improves it, maybe I'll stop looking all over the internet for a used pro Stihl?
    (doubtful...)
  4. DexterDay Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 11, 2010
    9,045 posts
    NE Ohio
    I just picked up a MS 260 off Ebay for $165 shipped..... Dont quit looking!

    As for the Muffler mod, HittinSteel said it best.

    Well worth it. IMO
  5. Prof Member

    joined: Oct 18, 2011
    93 posts
    Western PA
    Found this link on tree world: http://www.treeworld.info/f40/ms-390-fine-tuning-questions-12382.html

    One thing to keep in mind is that modifying the muffler may void your warranty. My 310 is 7 yrs old, so my warranty has long since gone the way of the dinosaur.
  6. Scotty Overkill firewood hoarder

    joined: Sep 24, 2011
    6,791 posts
    central PA
    muffler mods are relatively easy, go to youtube and there should be some tutorials. As Hittinsteel said, any mod to a modern saw muffler is a gain in HP. The muffler is the main place that these saws are restricted to meet emissions. Also the plastic limiters on the hi-low carb screws, when you mod the muffler, get rid of those. you can make some big improvements in power by some simple steps..,..
  7. Backroads Feeling the Heat

    joined: Jun 19, 2008
    303 posts
    Richmond, RI
    I have yet to do this and every time I read up on this it makes me want to. My 310 is now 5 or 6 years old and seen about 30 cord. I think its finally time. Just printed out the instructions maybe when I have time on Wednesday.
    Prof and Scotty Overkill like this.
  8. jeff_t Minister of Fire

    joined: Sep 14, 2008
    2,684 posts
    SE MI

    Does the 270 fit in there anywhere? I never hear about anybody modding one.
  9. Backroads Feeling the Heat

    joined: Jun 19, 2008
    303 posts
    Richmond, RI
    That's cus it's a 270... ;) lol, J/K! Do a search, ya never know what you will find.
  10. HittinSteel Minister of Fire

    joined: Aug 11, 2008
    1,419 posts
    Northeastern Ohio
    I'm not sure on the 270. I almost bought a 270 but bit the bullet for a 260.

    I imagine it can be muffler modded to bring out its potential.
    Scotty Overkill likes this.
  11. amateur cutter Minister of Fire

    joined: Aug 20, 2010
    1,118 posts
    West Michigan
    Plus you make the saw lighter.;lol A guy actually told me that once. A C
  12. Highbeam Minister of Fire

    I'm chomping to do it. Looks really easy on the 290/310/390 series. It's actually more difficult to access the screws and tune afterwards than it is to open up the can.

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