346NE vs 254XP vs 55CP...Sibling Rivalry. Results are in!!!!

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Well, the ol’ 242 runs pretty good!

View attachment 118811

I really like the 242

 

[cgraham1]

I really like the 242

First time running it, and I really like it!

 

[beaglebriar]

A muffler modded rematch might be all it takes, those 346's are pretty stuffed up and wake up considerably just clearing out metal under the stock deflector.

That was an interesting and entertaining match, thanks for the vids and such.

Muff mod and trim the limiters so it can actually be tuned.

 

[Dub11]

A muffler modded rematch might be all it takes, those 346's are pretty stuffed up and wake up considerably just clearing out metal under the stock deflector.

That was an interesting and entertaining match, thanks for the vids and such.

That's what I would like to see first before all the grinding starts.

 

[XP_Slinger]

I’ll be the first to admit Joe’s 346 isn’t performing to its potential, but his little match was about both saws being stock guys. I’ll oblidge another run with the 346 modded and I’m sure Joe would be willing too. But don’t be surprised if the results are the same, the 254 is still sporting a 4cc advantage which is substantial over a 50cc Saw and on top of that it’s safely tuning to 14.3k. That fugger is stout.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

First time running it, and I really like it!

They aren't a big HP saw and run out of steam in larger wood, but they sure scream in the stuff they like

Being a non-top-handle pint-sized Mini-Me of the 288 is what trips my trigger with them..even has that ting-ting-ta-ting of the 288 albeit a bit higher pitched

 

[XP_Slinger]

Going back in the thread a little @skidder was trying to decide on his next project. How’s this for ya Moose? I think you should get a 372, this is the same log we were cutting on yesterday. Started cutting where the 288 left off. So what ya think squatch? The 372 is every bit as iconic as the 288.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Don't mess with a worked "Dubya"!!

 

[cgraham1]

They aren't a big HP saw and run out of steam in larger wood, but they sure scream in the stuff they like

Being a non-top-handle pint-sized Mini-Me of the 288 is what trips my trigger with them..even has that ting-ting-ta-ting of the 288 albeit a bit higher pitched

Yeah, I couldn’t lean on it on the big end of the log (12” or so), but under about 8” was where it really shined.

 

[huskyboy]

Someone say xpw ?

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Yeah, I couldn’t lean on it on the big end of the log (12” or so), but under about 8” was where it really shined.

I've found the exact same scenario to be true as well.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Someone say xpw ?

Git some!

 

[PA Dan]

A muffler modded rematch might be all it takes, those 346's are pretty stuffed up and wake up considerably just clearing out metal under the stock deflector.

That was an interesting and entertaining match, thanks for the vids and such.

Or put a muffler like this on it...

 

[cgraham1]

Or put a muffler like this on it...

I would point it more forward, at an angle. I ran one like that on my 357xp, and it sounded great. Not too loud, either.

 

[PA Dan]

I would point it more forward, at an angle. I ran one like that on my 357xp, and it sounded great. Not too loud, either.

I thought I might have to change the angle but after running it a while it's fine like it is. If I did it again ya I would go more forward.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I have a 1" outlet like that on my 288....but I'm not posting pics because I had a hell of a time welding it! It's fugly but it works. Lol! We don't have the best welder for that thin, soft, muffler tin. Does sound good though and I suppose it helps it breathe better

 

[Tor R]

Here’s the averages for small and big wood for all 3 saws.

View attachment 118675

I wasnt surprised that 254 won it.
Lightly modded, the difference may be even bigger, 254 has a very restricted stock muffler, and it loves advanced timings not sure if the 346 can catch up if both should be lightly modded.
Fully ported I would still bet on the 254, its hard to beat a saw who has 4cc extra if it run with 210-220psi.....

 

[XP_Slinger]

I wasnt surprised that 254 won it.
Lightly modded, the difference may be even bigger, 254 has a very restricted stock muffler, and it loves advanced timings not sure if the 346 can catch up if both should be lightly modded.
Fully ported I would still bet on the 254, its hard to beat a saw who has 4cc extra if it run with 210-220psi.....

I agree Tor, 4 cc is a big advantage over a 50cc saw, almost 10%. I’m going to leave my 254 stock and Joe is going to mod his 346 then We’ll do his again, we think it will be interesting to see how the gap closes as the 346 is progressively modded.

 

[Dub11]

I agree Tor, 4 cc is a big advantage over a 50cc saw, almost 10%. I’m going to leave my 254 stock and Joe is going to mod his 346 then We’ll do his again, we think it will be interesting to see how the gap closes as the 346 is progressively modded.

Especially since it's plus 4cc in the stroke. Makes you wonder why they went backwards with the new model?

 

[huskyboy]

Especially since it's plus 4cc in the stroke. Makes you wonder why they went backwards with the new model?

The 550/2253 have a 34.5 mm stroke and crank stuffers. That’s a longer stroke than a 272. 562 has same 36mm stroke as a 372. The 572 has a 39mm stroke, longer than a 288. Seems like there going to longer stroke in the new models.