ok guys, i know the stock answer to the question is that i should buy a 361. here is my particular situation.
i currently have a 310 18bc bone stock. i am farm-red and have pretty good feel for equipment. i have always over-bought so buyer's remorse is something i rarely experience. when i bought the 310 in '02 i got a saw that was more than enough for my needs at the time. however, i bought a house last year and fed the insert with oak from the property. i am a desk jockey by day and i really enjoy getting the in the woods and running a saw. i burn wood bc i can. it helps with managing the property, gives me some time with my brother, teaches my son about the outdoors, gets me out of housework, and makes my wife appreciate me when i am home!!!
most of what i cut is oak that is 12-18in. some is a little larger, but not much and most is smaller. between my brother (rancher 55 and 025) and myself, we cut about 3 cords last year. probably will increase that by a cord or two this year. not a lot by the standard of most around here. the 310 does an adequate job, but i WANT MORE!!!!
here is the question: the way i see it i have two options;
1) muffler mod the 310
2) buy a 361 and e-bay the 310
my hesitation for modding the 310 is the increase in noise. i know, chainsaws are loud- get over it..... i do wear earplugs and earmuffs together. i'm not sure how much the mod would increase the noise.
how much power gain will i get with a mod? will i get to the output of a 361?
forget about that the 361 is easier to work on, thatit has better vibration control (never thought chainsaws weren't supposed to vibrate... i was raised on a Mac Super 66 bow bar), that it might last a little longer (either will outlive me) or that it will have higher resale (would sell it if i bought one), or that it is lighter (6'4" 230lbs, not much fat).
will i be bowled-over by the additional power? would i get the same power with a mod on the 310? how much louder is a modded saw??
i won't take to much coercion to convince me that i need the 361. i just need someone to step-up and offer me an unbiased (that's a laugh) opinion.
my local dealer quoted $575 for a 361 with a 18" hardnose.