Wow, I ask a question one day and the next its almost 2 pages behind! hehe.
Got a few answers for the nice folks that replied:
DENNIS- Thanks for the info about stainless steel, after your info I read up on it and was amazed that there are like 150 different kinds of stainless! I'm not too concerned about hardware store bolts, I never planned to get them there anyway, and if the fastners are more expensive than grade8 type its a worth investment for the longevity of my cadet, I'm sure it will outlive ME. lol
HENRI- The 16hp that was offered to me is an old Kohler K series, so its all cast iron. I wouldn't think of putting an aluminum junk motor on my original cadet!
WYATT- Thanks for the info, I wasn't sure what grade of SS was best for bolts. I'll check into that company you listed. I also have to make up a list of all the bolts and their sizes on the cadet.. that might take some time..
TIM- I'm hoping somebody here knows the nitty gritty info on the S/G units, for example the cranking power of the different versions, and their charging amps. I'm sure there must be a 'best' one out of all the versions that Kohler used.
ART- HUGE thanks for those pictures of the super cadet !! Thats so cool, and I never even thought of putting the gas tank in the front like that, its a brilliant idea. I'm definately going to try for that 16hp if I can get it, the guy hasn't been home, so I haven't seen him again yet. I have one of the super cadet pics set as my wallpaper now to give me inspiration.
BRYON- Dude ! I LOVE your super cadet ! Where did you get that gas tank mounting bracket? or did you home make it ? any chance I could beg/bribe you into making one more ??
I got 2 new rear tires today, Carlisle Super Lugs 23x10.5-12. They are wider than the wheels are made for, but the tire shop got them on ok. They are REALLY stiff, the tire guy had a hard time getting the bead to seat on the cadet wheels. It finally did, or looks like it did and the shop figures they are safe. I wasn't able to find a tube locally for them yet, but so far they are holding air as tubeless. They look great, ten times better than the junky 'lawn tractor' tires that it had when I got it. Price on them was pretty high, $70 each... was that a decent price? or did the tractor shop gouge me ?
Thanks for the help so far guys, its nice knowing I can ask the pro's here anytime I have a question.