Its not always that easy deacon to tell the size of a Poulan. The bigger saws from the same time frame are designated in ci. For instance a 3600 is 3.6ci a pretty big saw. The 2300 on your saw is in cc-23. The Husqvarnas were some of the easiest to follow with the ccs being in the Model# ie a 141=41cc, 55 Rancher you guessed it 55ccs. Hang in there with the little saw the port timing on saws is some of the more agressive, and they make more power/cc than say a weedeater or blower. The recoil is pretty stout on those saws, and not hard to repair, just have it fully engaged before you pull it(true of any recoil) Just think light when you are building. Taking off weight is like bolting on HP!
You seem to be on the right track, Cannonball, your saw is just a tad small. My first build was with a Grubee 2 cycle which was ok, but needed replacement parts too often. I switched to a Grubee 4 cycle with stage III gearbox which worked great but was underpowered. When I decided to drop in a Shimano 3 speed rear, I swapped out the Gubee 4 cycle for a Homelite to avoid a jackshaft. There is no comparison. The Homelite is bulletproof, it's faster, revs higher quicker and it has a great Mikuni carb with full adjustments. With an expansion chamber it sounds like the Bultacos and Ducatis we use to race. 50 cc Ducatis and Benellis would go 55mph. The engine on chainsaws usually outlast the bar and chain, so good engines are readily available at low cost. Engine mounts are easy to fabricate if you break down the saw to just the engine (remove the handle, trigger, chain oiler, etc.) I'd send photos but Scooteriste Rouge (Red Rider) is broken down for painting. Good luck if you decide to try again.
