I know this looks like the same thread and question you've seen a million times. I am not asking that question. I know the answer to 'that' question is the Ryobi 31 cc and/or Homelite 25cc.

I know with conversions the first rule is convert what you have available. I happen to live in a rural area where landscapers and tree workers abound and I have my choice of scrap engines. Basically a conversion is going to cost me a prop hub, mount and maybe a muffler. Also the cost of acquiring a candidate is static. Am I better off putting $100 of resources in a Ryobi or a Dolmar?

My question is which are the better engines to use as a base? I gotta believe a Stihl, Husqvarna, Dolmar, Echo, Kioritz is better (lighter and more powerful) than a Homelite/Ryobi/Poulan? The availability of parts aside.

I don't know from experience so, I am asking. I am giving this whole conversion thing too much thought?

You are correct in you reasoning, in that some conversions have more "potential" than others. I have a 46cc Poulan that is converted, and its a very strong engine. I think any of the chainsaw engines, especially the ones with Dolmar cylinders, will be the best to convert. An Echo #CS510 would be the best (same as a BME-50), if you could find one. I would also reccomend using a C-H syncrospark for the ignition. They are easy to set up, and really make the big gassers easy to start.
Z