7117 predator conversion

[Gerg 14]

Finally removed the KT17 and installed the Predator 670 in my 7117. Here are some photoes 

[Richard Wright 79]

Nice re-power! I'll bet that engine will perform very well. 

[Gerg 14]

Thanks, I drove it around for awhile and it runs really nice. Next I will put the mower deck on and give it a test, we got a lot of rain over the last couple of days so it should be a good test 

Greg

[maxwood 548]

Hello, It looks great I also repowered  a sovereign with the predator . What adapter did you use to connect the driveshaft to the engine?

I am always looking for different options.

Thanks Ken in Mi

[MikeES 415]

Great work!  Are the original headlights going to work?

Edited July 15, 2018 by MikeES

[Gerg 14]

Performance 670 adapter for Kohler engines, it was $49.95. The original 4 bolt adapter bolted right up to it, all I had to do was add two 3/8" locking collars which I used as spacers on the coupler. I had to raise the engine and did that by using 2 (1/2" by 2" flat stock) spacers on both sides of the engine. It did take some time position and reposition the engine to line up the shaft but the height was perfect. 

Greg

[Gerg 14]

No, the original headlights will not work, but I have an idea for lighting ( which I only use on rare occasions in the winter at night blowing snow, I usually wait until daylight) .

Greg

[rich_kildow 244]

I did the same repower a few years back and love it!  I made a muffler to allow the headlights to work but now I noticed I have some serious heat under the hood.  Can you report on how the stock muffler does with heat management?  My dash is almost too warm to touch.  

[Gerg 14]

That's a good idea to monitor the heat, one thing I noticed was that a lot of heat from the muffler radiated out through the holes where the headlights were, I think that's a good thing. it looks like there is room to put a small pusher fan blade on the crank or a low current drawing electric fan on the grill if needed. There is good air flow coming through the grill from the built in engine fan. I will let you know about the heat after I mow next week.

Greg   

[maxwood 548]

Hello, I just went to Performance 670 website and saw this performance built engine 43 HP.  WOW!!!

Thanks Ken in Mi

 

https://www.performance670.com/product-detail/predatorperformance1

Edited July 15, 2018 by maxwood

[maxwood 548]

https://simpletractors.com/forums/topic/40081-how-to-build-a-muffler-for-a-briggs-vanguard/#comment-40084

Here is a link to a muffler I built for a briggs repower ,, I also built one for the predator, but cut the exhaust pipes off the factory muffler and welded them on.  

[Gerg 14]

Wow on the 670 engine, muffler looks really good, excellent job.

Greg

[PhanDad 3,245]

Thanks for sharing the pics of another successful Predator install.  

 

[tweinke 10]

The heat issue under the hood is a good thing to watch for. mine was hot enough on a 85 degree day to make the gas tank swell up and the dash was very hot to the touch.. On my predator conversion I decided to add a couple air deflectors to direct the heat out the front. I did post a picture a while back but will see if I can find it again if anyone is interested.

[tweinke 10]

Found it! This seems to work well for me at last. I did put the foam seal on the hood to stop as much air flow as possible from going rearward.