Hello, this saw modding is interesting, I've got a stihl ms180, Is muffler modding this worth the effort or just silly antics? The saw is small after all and is never going to be a beast, even with porting and all sorts of work…it’s a small saw! I own one to process my own firewood, its used on the ground for an hour or 2 at a time so its not about turning this into a lightweight beast that is fantastic up in a tree, but like anyone else…if I can get something for nothing (something worthwhile) that is good. If I could do a muffler mod, which would be zero cost and minimal effort, and gain enough power/speed increase to actually notice it cutting a little bit quicker, then I’m tempted. The saw is only 6 months old, I don’t want to risk killing it, and as I understand it these saws have unadjustable carbs, so if a muffler mod would cause it to run lean then I won’t risk it. Although if I can counter a slight risk by adding slightly more oil to my fuel mix (is that possible?) I’d do that. I live in suburban London, using the saw in my garden, so also need to think of the neighbours. I know a muffler mod would make the saw noisier but assume, since it’s a small saw after all, that it won’t make enough difference to annoy neighbours? I always use PPE including foresters helmet with ear defenders when I’m running it, so not so worried about deafening myself.
So, is a muffler mod to a MS180 going to make a noticeable difference to me, and if so…..how do I go about it? Is it as easy as removing the muffler from the saw, drilling a hole or 2 in the can to increase the exit hole area, and poking the drill inside the can and making holes in any baffles that can be reached? Total exit area wants to be about 80% of the cylinder exhaust port area yes? So I guess I don’t want to go very large, a couple of 10mm holes enough extra? Anybody done it?