361 muffler mod

[woodhick]

What percentage gain in power would you say you get by running a modified muffler?  Does anyone sell aftermarket muffler that are already modified?  After reading this post I'm thinking of putting one on my stihl 390, would it be worth it
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[fishhuntcutwood]

Hmmm.  I'd say depending on the saw model, you could expect 10% or so, give or take.  Newer saws that are more restricted by OSHA and EPA have more to gain.  The 029 series of saw benefits really well from muffler mods.  They're easy to do yourself.  But if you're looking for one to buy, I think Walker's sells complete muffler that they've modded.  Or you can send them your existing muffler for them to mod.  There's quite a few modders out there, rahtreelimbs being one.

Jeff

[West Texas]

I put 3 3/16" holes in the front of my 361 muffler.   When I sent the saw off to have it modded for use in the 'woods' they had made the center hole larger to 15/64" and had gutted the baffles inside the muffler.   On another 361 I have, they added a rather large side port that vents forward  with the noise and gases.   On all my other saws,  I've made sure there was some back pressure remaining; so I've been on the conservative side with my holes, letting them total out to about 80% of the engine exhaust port.   I'm no engineer, but it works for me.  Tom   

[fishhuntcutwood]

Welcome Tom.  Glad to see you here.   I modded mine along the same lines.  I don't recall the measurements I used, but I went conservative and it works great.  My buddy and his stock 361 are day and night to mine.  The cuts, the sounds, the powerband are markedly different.  This saw really responds well to muffler mods, like the 029 series does.

Jeff

[Tony_T]

How much more noise do get with the muffler mod. vs stock?

[fishhuntcutwood]

How much more noise do get with the muffler mod. vs stock?

Plenty, but it's not unbearable, especially if you're wearing hearing protection...which you should be.  I don't notice mine being louder than my buddy's unmodded 361 with protection in/on.  Bare ears, I can tell a difference.  The best part is the tone though.  Mine is much more baritone and throaty opened up.

Jeff

[JD hauler]

while we are on muffler mods, I have a brand new 372 xp, and was considering the walker mod, I was really into it until, I discovered that is it $98.00 with keeping my old muffler, and he wont take money orders or discover card, is this mod going to be of real benefit , I just cut firewood and dont really use it any other way, any input is appreciated.

[fishhuntcutwood]

The muffler mod is $98 or that's for a whole new modded muffler?  I thought their jobs were like $30.  I gotta be honest, for firewood and firewood alone, a stock 372 is more than enough.  But that said, a muffler mod on a newer saw is always good.  They're easy to do with some simple tools and some common sense.  I do my own muffler mods, but if not, I'd pay $30...but not $98.  Heck, $100 is a good portion of a full woods mod.

Jeff