Hustler 980 Big Block 31HP Briggs Swap

[jpswift1]

I just picked up a brand new 31 HP Big Block Briggs Vanguard and even though I have a practically new, and very powerful 23HP Vanguard in my Hustler 980 now (that will be going in my Super Swamp Fox) I decided to go for some crazy high horsepower. If you go to Youtube and type in "big block hustler" you'll see 6x6World member Meinfeld's Hustler 980 BIGFOOT in action with a built Briggs Vanguard and that thing sounds MEAN! More updates as they become available.

And by the way, thanks for talking me into this, Don!

[mark m.]

Atta boy Jeff. Somehow horsepower always rules

[jpswift1]

Yes it does, Mark! And more torque can't hurt either......the 31 HP Vanguards puts out about TWICE as much torque (around 64lbs/ft) compared to the 23HP Vanguard. This ought to be fun!

Torque Specs - Vanguard Repower Small Engines Torque Specs

[Stonewall]

My 20 horse Kohler seems small now... Sounds exciting! Can't wait to see it!

[racerone3]

My Bigfoot is in the upper 30's for HP, and it is an entirely different machine from when it had the 18 briggs. Your gonna love it!

[Bw6]

Yes it does, Mark! And more torque can't hurt either......the 31 HP Vanguards puts out about TWICE as much torque (around 64lbs/ft) compared to the 23HP Vanguard. This ought to be fun!

Torque Specs - Vanguard Repower Small Engines Torque Specs

JP: That link has bogus torque info for the 31 hp. engine it shows 64 but that is metric Nm not fl/lbs. The correct number is 47.3 ft/lbs @ 2400 It's interesting that official Vanguard Engine manufacturers sites, don't publish their torque info, you need to be an OEM and request that info. ScanHi.com - Vanguard HS 31 HP

[Noel Woods]

Jeff: That will be one butt kickin machine when its done. Are you going to switch out axels and beef the frame up in the Hustler? Hustlers are fine machines but the additional torque may find all the weak areas of the drivetrain. I guess the big block will fit-its a tall motor?
Have you considered dropping the big block in the Swamp Fox? Now that would be a bad machine. There's enough room in the engine bay to fit it and leave room to work around it, just a suggestion.
Noel

[amphibious drew]

Nice decision to go with the bigger engine. Hope she likes the torque.

[LarryW]

That will be sweet!!! Did you ever get your clutch problem figured out. That day I drove it, it appeared to stick in high range unless you let it idle down and start over. Is that fixed?