I can get either saw for about the same money. I lean towards the Poulan 46cc due to the chrome plated cylinder on the pro models. What would the folks who have been there--done that recommend? Thanks in advance for taking the time to reply.

fwman1

ALL weedeater and chainsaw aluminum cylinders are chrome or Nikasil plated, whether they say it or not..[8D]
Piston rings on bare aluminum don't work...

Have you looked at Harborfreight.com. They sell the Homelite 45 when they put it on sale for $109. I just converted a Homelite, the parts are readily avail from Wacker engines, I don't know who makes the Poulan parts. Anyway I put a picture of my conversion on another thread, I think the title is where to get 45cc Homelite parts.

C&H makes Poulan conversion parts..

The Homelite 45cc make a very powerful and simple conversion, if you buy the reconditioned unit with the old style bolt on carb. If you buy it new, than you have the extra rather difficult step of making an adapter for the carb. Besides that, all that is required are engine mount tabs (or stand-offs) and a prop hub adapter. I would also recommend a different muffler and a velocity stack, you'll save weight and get better performance.

Thanks for all the information. For some reason I am leaning towards the Poulan. I can't say exactly why. Would the convert out to about the same weight?

Theres not a whole lot of difference between the two. Most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Use the one you can get the best deal on. That's what conversion engines is all about. On these two, the conversion process itself is pretty much the same unless you come across one that doesn't need a carb adapter.

Enjoy,

Jim

T;hanks Jim. I was hoping you might weign in on the subject. I've got a $85.00 shipped Poulan Pro 295 lined up.