one BS post after the other..
I have a similar 'problem' (read inconvenience)
I have 3 ps3's
160gb model on 3.50
40gb model on 3.50
60gb model on 3.41 (broken bluray)
the 40gb / 60gb / 1st gen 80gb bluray drive is the same, so just swap them (use [ame="
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qztw_aUBQhI"]THIS[/ame] video)
==> Don't forget to swap the boards attached to the drive, as they are assigned to a specific ps3 !
everytime I want to do something on JB-ps3 i just swap out the drives & i'm good to go..
you should try this first, see if that helps !
EDIT: SOME FACTS
---------------------
Data transfer 3.50 --> 3.41 = NO WAY !!
you NEED to have a bluray drive installed in your ps3 to be able to jailbreak (found this out the hard way

)
if any questions, fire away, i'll try to help you through