Mod 261 or switch to 400?

[Owyhee H]

Im having power issues with my 261cm at altitude and sold a 260pro for the bump in power. It is totally stock and runs correctly but loses too much power at 7000ft+ for my liking. I run a 3/8 full chisel chain on an 18" bar. Mostly cutting red fir.

I've read that a base gasket delete and MM could really help with the power at altitude but I like stock most of the time and Im not excited about a lot louder saw. I have no issue working on saws.

My other wood saw is a pristine 038 magnum that does really well with a 24/25" which covers most of my needs for a bigger bar.

I have a 660 clone and an 021 so would always have backup available if needed.

So would you recommend modding the 261, love the light weight, or selling the 261 and 038 and getting a 400 (or even 462) to replace both saws. I like the Mtronic for changing altitude even though I can tune a carb.

362Cm would be fine too and had one in the past but the 400 seems to be a lot more saw for about the same weight and $$.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

A ported 261 is a beast, it still won’t keep up with a 400 though. I’d get with Kevin @huskihl and get some sausage stuff into the 261. Since you already have bigger saws available unless you want a new saw.

 

[2000ssm6]

I agree with EG, a well ported 261 is the cats azz.

Sounds like you have the big saw area covered with the 038. If your 261 gets the most use, mail it off to one of the well known builders such as Kevin.

 

[Mad3400]

Since you have the Mtronic version, I think you would be better off with the 400 than porting the 261C.

In my experience, with the Standard 261, you can be a bit more aggressive when porting and has more gains over the Mtronic.

Mad3400

 

[bwalker]

I have a 400c that I run at altitude and cut mostly Douglas Fir. It handles a 24" bar very well in Fir.