Husqvarna 357 or 359? Build question for the experts

[Stevetheboatguy]

My first post over here instead of a.s. figured I might get more information here.

Ok so here's the deal. I just bought a 357xpg from Laslabjohn. I'm liking it. And I also just picked up a 359 that needs a little love.

I want to build the 359 and add the g parts to it. I am going to give it to my dad for a surprise.

My main question is. Should I build it with a 357 or 359 top end? I am less concerned about rpm and more about torque. As he will probably want a 20" 3/8 bar and chain. I know that's not ideal for the saw, but that's what he would want. So I want to build accordingly.

Input and advice is welcome and appreciated. Thank you.

Steven

 

[Wolverine]

Torque = stay 359.

 

[Derf]

I think the 359 has a wider power band, so it feels stronger even as RPMs drop with more load from a longer bar. The 357 spools a little faster and has a higher peak HP, so it can feel stronger, but the maximum power is higher up in the RPM range. Both saws should be able to handle a 20" 3/8 bar/chain and actually that's pretty ideal ; any longer and you'd probably be looking at a larger power head, if you usually ran smaller bars you could get a smaller engine and save some weight on your back. But I know a lot of homeowners like one saw to do it all, and the longer bar gives more "reach" when limbing, or bucking without bending over so much. If your dad was trying to run 24" bars in bigger wood I'd say the 359 is going to fair better. If he will keep an 18"/20" on there most of the time the 357xp would feel quicker in the cut.

 

[1990Husky262]

359=good all around workhorse

 

[P.M.P.]

I don't know why I'm posting here. Have a couple 357's but never ran a 359 plus add in I'm not a expert. Later.

 

[Milkman31]

357 or the 359 will run a 20in bar just fine!

 

[Wolverine]

Yep. Mine came with a 3/8 20. I have an old vid of a 24" oak I cut down. My 357 screamed through that wet oak with the 20 fully burried. I was amazed. It was still bone stock.

 

[Wagnerwerks]

The 359 is a great torquey top end.... When it's cleaned up.. super easy top end to do a bit of grinding on. You can do this one with a Dremel...

 

[ppxstnr]

I have a 359 I bought new. Its an e-tech. In stock form a real dog of a saw. Since I've had it, I modded it into oblivion more than once. Several new pistons and rings. I put a hyway 357 big bore (not one on a 359) jug on it and ported it mildly. Even with mild porting, it revs out to 14.8.

I run a 24" 3/8 7 pin, full comp LGX chain. It pulls good as long as you dont touch the rakers. When I get time, Im gonna work on getting a broader power band. The stock cylinder had a less Pipey power band. I hated this saw for years until I modded it, now it's one of my favorite play toys.