Bigfoot upgrade to 23HP vanguard

[JCJLABRIe]

I am planning to swap my 1998 Bigfoot 18HP vanguard to a 2009 23HP vanguard out of frontier. Will my clutches and tranny hookup match the 23HP setup? What about the muffler, what type of muffler/exhaust manifold will I require? Has anyone completed the swap? Any suggestions or concerns?

Please help....

[trevorakm1]

I just put a 23 in my bigfoot. I can get you the part number tomorrow.

[thejunkman]

Im looking into doing a swap but with the newer 23 hp kohler efi I was thinking of the briggs 23 hp but cant pass up efi

[Rickb]

I am also looking for a similar swap and considering B&S 23HP, 23HP Kohler EFI, or Subaru 28HP EFI.

Would really appreciate any input on this.

Cheers, Rick

[Nubs]

Are the Kohler's or Subaru EFI's even available with a 1" PTO

[Rickb]

Not sure about the Kohler, but the 28HP Subaru has a 1-1/8" shaft 3.9" in length. So my big question is can I make the stock ARGO clutch fit, or do I need to replace the clutch?

If I do need to replace the clutch, where can I get one and how much?

The Subaru does have a muffler kit for $150....just not sure how much "Macgivering" is required to make her fit???

Rick

[Nubs]

No Your Argo drive clutch will not fit as its for a 1" shaft, MFG Supply did carry the comet 780 for 225.00 plus shipping with the 1-1/8 bore but I don't see it right off hand.

http://www.mfgsupply.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=comet+780+1-18+bore

[thejunkman]

Im using a clutch from a Argo conquest I had one laying around its a 1-1/8" hole to run the Argo wide belt which came on the older models I wont need to swap out my secondary clutch Im hoping the kohler bolt pattern is close to the briggs.

[JCJLABRIe]

Did the Bigfoot clutches and tranny hooked up without modifications to the 23 vanguard? Any problems with engine overheating?

[trevorakm1]

If you are asking me, no hook up issues, engine compartment tighter but fits and I'm no mechanic. It's cold in R.I. so heat issues we'll see. I got the motor for $500.00 shipped after selling the 18 so I couldn't pass it up. May go Kohler later if this one is a problem. I made some mods with heat in mind pm me and I'll elaborate.

[JCJLABRIe]

What modifications have you done to avoid the possible overheating issue? How did it go with exhaust manifold and muffler, any parts number for the conversion

[Dan67]

I replaced a worn out motor in my hustler with a Briggs 23 hp vtwin the other year. Heat is a major concern for the hustler. Wrapped the exhaust in header wrap. and opened the top above the exhaust to allow heat to escape. Added a fan to blow in fresh air on the flywheel side.

[JCJLABRIe]

I would appreciate the part number for the 23HP conversion on your bigfoot muffler/exhaust manifold....Thanks