Great info guys! Too cold to work on it atm but I'll look into a left handed bit and will use MAPP torch on it. Hopefully the balled dremel bit will be long enough to even reach the stud. Worse case suppose I could take a bolt and drill though it's center and use that for a bit guide.
4. The restrictor plate, is it basically a metal gasket they stuck a smaller bore on or is it an actual spacer between the carb and intake manifold? If it's a spacer, do I need to fab up a phenolic spacer or or grind out the restriction?
5. Any benefit from swapping in a carb from a M16-M20? Was looking at carbs online and seems they used a same 1.07" throttle bore between mine and the 16-20hp models, and only thing that appears different is linkage hook ups. Used ones seem cheap enough and I could rework the linkage or retrofit my stuff if possible. Have to assume a M20 would probably have a larger jet?
6. Any idea how restrictive the stock mufflers are? Was thinking of getting an automotive
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-22229 and running a J off the muffler inlet then another 90 to the stock flange which I'd probably cut and weld to the 90. Mainly looking to cut the db down a bunch so I can run it with less noise but extra power would be great if frees some up. Just curious if anyone knows?
7. Do these respond to higher flowing or more surface area air filters? I know carb'd auto engines can be affected by the air filter. Just wondering if it's worth popping something else in there or opening it up, etc..
Planning on converting something like a Craftsmen tractor snow plow to have a front loader-style scoop, ideally running a winch for lift, as I have a ton of gravel and also dirt that'll need moved this summer and wanting to squeeze whatever I can out of it as I'll also be running tire chains more often than not. Not to mention the box scraper which weighs around 80 pounds + 140 from the cinder block ballast + a large mound of dirt/gravel being dragged. Surprised it was even doing it already with the stock tires and I'm light at 165.