The name's Greg, but you can call me whatever ya want, just so long as if yer cookin', don't call me late for supper!
I digress. I've always wanted to build a racing mower, and I finally have one to build, so I thought, what better place to start this journey than with heymow!
I've got what I believe is a mid 80s craftsman II, mostly cuz it says craftsman II on the side (yep I'm pretty perceptive!) it's got a 16hp opposed twin. I got it for free from an older neighbor, said it wouldn't start anymore and he didn't know why. Naturally I got it started pretty easy, little ground wire on the bottom of the coil was jimmied, got that handled and it fired right up. Runs good and healthy, nice and clean inside and out, no smoke, or anything. Strong compression, and etc. I'm actually really surprised at the shape of the engine, considering the deck was held on by baling wire and prayers.
Anyway I'll find a place to ask my questions around here somewhere, if I can find my way out of the kitchen.
But I'll list everything I hope to learn here first.
1 my end goal is to build a drag mower, something that goes fast in a strait line and cut the tires loose easy.
Keeping that in mind I'm not so worried about steering modifications, since it will never be making hard turns.
2 I'll add pics later once I get on my phone, maybe someone could tell me the model number. I assume it's got a 5 speed tranny but it could be 6, the markings are gone. Also, where can I locate the model numbers for the engine and transaxle?
3 If anyone knows which tranny mine has, can it be welded fairly easy?
4 What gear ratio would you recommend? Best acceleration from a standing stop is the goal.
5 I'm not planning to remove the governor or exceed 4 grand on the tach if I can avoid it, I don't have the money to upgrade the flywheel or rods.
6 recommendations for cheap brake soulutions?
8 how much will ride height make a difference with my build?
7 anything else I need to know about or consider?
Seems like everything I can think of right now, but I got a bad case of CRS so I'll update if need be.
OH- see already happening, I want to build a nice LOUD exhaust, but save my valves, so what would you all recommend?
Thanks everyone, I think I'll quite enjoy myself here. Where's the living room?