never played with a poulan but seems like making a new rod and taking apart the crank is alot of work for a measly .02". why not just raise the bearing seats a little higher in the case? also check your squish clearance beforehand so you'll know how much to cut.

porting... read somewhere that poulan makes both chrome and nikasil jugs for the 46, some say nikasil can't be ported some say it can, i like chrome...

dave