Due for an update. I had planned on posting pics of my progress showing the work I've done, but I get so excited to wrench on it that I always forget to take pics.
I'll post a new pic of how it looks soon.
Anyway so far I got the new parts in, and it's running MUCH better. Put the new carb boot on, had to loosen the cylinder bolts a bit to get it on the intake horn. Got a used HD filter kit and threw that on too, and gutted the muffler and opened the hole up a bit while I was at it. Next I put the new clutch springs on (what a PIA) and painted the covers flat black.
All in all it's a proper saw, and I'm very happy with it. Got it tuned in the cut and it rips with the bar buried; very happy!
Next up is the PS7900 P&C, figure I'll get that in a few months. Gonna try my hand at porting when I get it...