Dealer says porting / modding doesn't work

[livemusic]

I have a Husky 346xp that was modded by Brad Snelling. Ported, larger carb, the usual woods porting, I suppose. I bought it after the fact. It certainly seems bad-ass to me. Was at a dealer yesterday and he's pouring cold water on it, saying nothing was really accomplished. That a stock 346 is unlike other saws, that it screams at very high rpm anyway. Like 13500-14500, I think that is what he said. I thought a pro mod job like this would def add more speed/power. Why would a dealer say that? The guy seems to be a straight shooter, he never oversells, seems to have the customer in mind. Just wondering what the real deal is with these pro jobs and why he would say this? Because he doesn't want his new saws to look like they need anything? Is this a common 'myth' or is he right?

 

[Ryan Browne]

A 346 will turn over 14k stock, yes.

Your dealer, like many dealers, sounds like he's not a fan of hopped up saws. Now, every builder messes up sometimes, so I can't tell you that your particular 346 is better than a stock saw, but there's tons of great before and after videos by Brad, Randy, Chainsaw Jim, Carl Miller, and in and on. It's typical to see substantial gains after port work. Also, there's been dyno tests in the past that show dramatic increases in HP as well as torque curves that are much improved over stock saws.

That said, ported saws aren't for everyone. There's pro users on here who swear by the increased productivity from using ported saws. Most of us just enjoy the heck out of using them, whether for firewood, side jobs, or just as a hobby. I like running saws. Do stock saws get the job done? Yes. Is there anything wrong with the saws on your dealer's shelf? No. But, if running a ported saw brings a smile to your face, then perhaps it's worth it. Only you can decide. It sounds like you think your saw performs well, but if you have any misgivings about it, is suggest contacting Brad to what he says.

 

[CR888]

Porting saws is a silly fad.....soon the fad will end & no one will bother with it anymore.

 

[EvilRoySlade]

My only questions @livemusic are
1) was he unhappy you did not buy a saw from him?
2) was he more concerned that you wasted extra money on a nice in stock trim model?

And final statement, get a nice sharp chain and let him cut some wood with it. I've found most times people haven't run a properly modified saw. Usually it's just base gasket and opened muffler. Correctly set up the 346 is quite impressive for how small it is and it really shows when you put it in larger wood, 12"+

 

[Mastermind]

Brad gets big gains on his 346s.

End of story.

 

[Ryan Browne]

Brad gets big gains on his 346s.

End of story.

And dealers don't know everything. Even if it's not malicious, they'll sometimes be a source of poor information.

 

[Time's Standing Stihl]

And dealers don't know everything. Even if it's not malicious, they'll sometimes be a source of poor information.

I take them very serious, most seem to know everything. After all they are gold certified !!!

 

[RI Chevy]

My dealer has no clue, ZERO, about the 462. And they claim they have no idea about ported saws. I offered to bring a couple in for them to try. Mechanics were all for it, owner said no.

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[Mastermind]

I port saws for three different Stihl dealers, and a couple of Husky dealers. They ain't all clueless.

 

[RI Chevy]

I hear you Randy. Dealers up here don't have a clue. Kind of sad they don't take interest in their own product lines.

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[Deets066]

I hear you Randy. Dealers up here don't have a clue. Kind of sad they don't take interest in their own product lines.

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Dealers down by Randy probly rent pigs though

 

[Dustin4185]

I port saws for three different Stihl dealers, and a couple of Husky dealers. They ain't all clueless.

I may need names of said dealers. I may have some agency saws that need some "repair" work.

 

[RD35]

All I know is that I ran my brother's 385 before and after Randy did his magic. Could I tell a difference? You betcha!!! AMAZING!!!! He turned that saw into a wood chomping monster. I regret not having my video camera running when my brother did an undercut on a big oak log that was up off the ground. He sprayed chips all over our Dad who was sitting on his tractor seat about 20 feet away. Dad was grinning ear to ear!!

 

[Al Smith]

By franchise agreement Stihl dealers cannot modify saws and sell them under shop conditions .The dealer I use is fascinated that I do.He must have spent a half hour looking over my collection a few years back when he delivered a Toro zero turn mower to me .

 

[Mattyo]

Dyno runs at the gtg CT 2016...

Brads 340/346xp is the top contender...

 

[Adirondackstihl]

And dealers don't know everything. Even if it's not malicious, they'll sometimes be a source of poor information.

^THIS

He's a salesman/business owner......not a mechanic.....obviously!

 

[malk315]

My dealer has no clue, ZERO, about the 462. And they claim they have no idea about ported saws. I offered to bring a couple in for them to try. Mechanics were all for it, owner said no.

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Invite the mechanics to a GTG.

Not all dealers around here are clueless / don't take interest -- don't forget Bob of Ashokan Turf and Timber, he is totally into the products he sells and Husky is lucky to have someone like Bob representing their product line.

 

[RI Chevy]

I should Eric. but I really don't know them well enough. They had that puzzled look on their face when I said the saw was ported. lol
A hot rod.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

One word..."Ego"
If they don't know how it's done they'll tell you it's bullchit. But they ALL know it's legit according to stihl timbersports.