Stihl 064 muffler question

[SawdustSA]

I noticed a rattle sound when I worked with my saw yesterday. I traced it down to coming from the muffler.

I removed the front cover today and noticed that the baffle had a piece missing. This was lying inside. My first plan was to tack weld it back in place, but that would mean I would have to remove the baffle and would need to replace the gasket, which I don't have at the moment.

I then found this thread where guys drilled this plate full of holes to improve the breathing.
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/660-dual-port-muffler-mod.41559/

So I was wondering whether I need to bother replacing this piece or just leave it off. Will the front cover burn through faster now or will there be any other negatives?

 

[Jags]

One other negative (if you want to call it that) is that if you remove the baffle it will reduce back pressure and allow the saw to breath easier. Because of that you will need to retune the carb so that you don't lean the saw out.

 

[SawdustSA]

I refitted the loose section of the baffle plate to keep it standard. Just as well since when I removed the muffler I noticed there was no gasket fitted. Got that fitted too and all is well now.

 

[jeffesonm]

I cut that whole thing out of my 660 muffler and enlarged the muffler port... can't say for sure it's faster, but it sure does scream.