There's really not much to a muffler mod, provided you've got some basic metal working skills and some common sense. There's several threads on here about how big to make the hole relative to the exhaust port, where to put it and so on. Do a search for "muffler mod" or "372 muffler mod" to be exact. You can make the hole too big and even put it in the wrong place-think about where your hand will be, and what's in front of the hole. Just things to think about. If you have it sent out to a pro it'll cost you $20-$30 ballpark, depending on who you send it to, but it should come back properly installed, and should look decent. As far as tuning the saw afterword, you'll have to richen it up accordingly. You can do that by ear and by judging it in the cut. If you have it done by a pro, I'm sure you could call him up, and he'd be able to actually walk you through it on the phone. As far as life of the saw, with a simple, properly done muffler mod the saw won't be any more short lived than a stock saw, if not even longer lifed, as it should be running cooler afterwords. You can burn up a stock saw as easily as an opend saw.
As far as names, ehp (a site sponsor) comes to mind, as well as Dean at Washington Hot Saws, (klickitatsacket, also a site sponsor) and while he's a Stihl guy, he can do Huskys too. Those are just two of many, but two that will give you the utmost in service and quality. I've never dealt with Ed, but have never heard anything other than good about him, and I think all here would agree. And I know for a fact that you can get Dean at WHS on the phone, and he'll help you out...but pack a lunch-he'll buddy up to you and he likes to talk saws! Great service.
Jeff
