Ported Stihl 031 questions

[Carbine]

Have any of you guys ported a Stihl 031? If so, how hawt? I'm not looking to re-invent the wheel, but would like to make a fast one (fast for a 031 anyway).
031's are kinda sentimental to me, I have a 031 AVE (my first saw) that my dad gave me (that I will leave stock), and I have a 031 AVE project coming to me.

Just looking for some ideas at this point, I won't be tearing into it until summer (at best). Feel free to post your .02, I'd like to hear it!

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

They pick up quite a bit with some port work. The 032 muffler is much better as it's an open can similar to a 562xp muffler which allows you to match it to an enlarged exhaust port. The 031 version which has a square tube connecting to the cylinder, that cannot be enlarged very much if any.
The 45mm 032 top end is a good plug and play upgrade.

When I get caught up I'm going to get into another one and see how far I can take it.

One more tip... buy an extra coil before you start.

 

[Carbine]

They pick up quite a bit with some port work. The 032 muffler is much better as it's an open can similar to a 562xp muffler which allows you to match it to an enlarged exhaust port. The 031 version which has a square tube connecting to the cylinder, that cannot be enlarged very much if any.
The 45mm 032 top end is a good plug and play upgrade.

When I get caught up I'm going to get into another one and see how far I can take it.

One more tip... buy an extra coil before you start.

Even the electronic models? I wasn't sure if they had ignition issues also. It's been a looong time since I've even used an 031.

I appreciate your .02 Jim.

 

[Onan18]

They pick up quite a bit with some port work. The 032 muffler is much better as it's an open can similar to a 562xp muffler which allows you to match it to an enlarged exhaust port. The 031 version which has a square tube connecting to the cylinder, that cannot be enlarged very much if any.
The 45mm 032 top end is a good plug and play upgrade.

When I get caught up I'm going to get into another one and see how far I can take it.

One more tip... buy an extra coil before you start.

TROOF, REPPED, THIS, etc...

 

[old 040]

They pick up quite a bit with some port work. The 032 muffler is much better as it's an open can similar to a 562xp muffler which allows you to match it to an enlarged exhaust port. The 031 version which has a square tube connecting to the cylinder, that cannot be enlarged very much if any.
The 45mm 032 top end is a good plug and play upgrade.

When I get caught up I'm going to get into another one and see how far I can take it.

One more tip... buy an extra coil before you start.

The 032 mufflers are quite a bit different, so not sure if they'll bolt up on the 031, I went through a nice 031 a couple months back, and just deleting the base gasket made a big difference, as far as ignition goes, really the biggest issue are the condensers, these film caps I pictured work great and are cheap and easy to find a place to put them, don't believe what they say about using the trigger modules, as I was going through my saw I tried two different ones, spark yes, run correctly no, the timing is not right with them on the point version 031, the only thing I didn't try, was a electronic flywheel with a module because I didn't have an electronic flywheel on hand, these caps do the trick on the points version and I keep them on hand, they're on the bay pretty cheap....

 

[old 040]

There is one video on you-tube of an 031 that was ported that sounds pretty darn good, the Mahle closed port cylinders on the 030, 031 and 032 have good size ports as it is, but I'm sure they could be improved on.....

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

The 032 mufflers are quite a bit different, so not sure if they'll bolt up on the 031, I went through a nice 031 a couple months back, and just deleting the base gasket made a big difference, as far as ignition goes, really the biggest issue are the condensers, these film caps I pictured work great and are cheap and easy to find a place to put them, don't believe what they say about using the trigger modules, as I was going through my saw I tried two different ones, spark yes, run correctly no, the timing is not right with them on the point version 031, the only thing I didn't try, was a electronic flywheel with a module because I didn't have an electronic flywheel on hand, these caps do the trick on the points version and I keep them on hand, they're on the bay pretty cheap....View attachment 64701

Thanks for the tip on the caps. I have a pair of 031's that need some spark.

The muffler is different but I believe it will work without any modifications. It uses the same mount next to the bar studs. You'll want to put a short screw with a nut on the back to keep the other corner together without the mounting boss by the oil cap. It can rest freely above the tank just as the 031 version does.

There's going to be a video of one of these in a couple weeks....

 

[Magic_Man]

I've often wondered about porting one of these myself. I fixed one up for my father last year. We did a gasket delete and a new caber ring. Ended up with plenty of compression and tourque out the ying yang. I tried to replace the condenser with a capacitor on mine and it still didn't run right. I ended up using one of the generic silver modules. It works very well but here is the deal, you have to reset the ignition timing. Initial install the saw started very easily and would idle all day long but not rev. Ignition timing on a points model with a conversion module ends up close to 0 degrees advance. I made a few timing marks and set up a timing light to check and reset. Ignition advance is now around 30 degrees, the saw starts easily and runs great. You have to take out the key to do this but have had no issues with it moving.