Toro Timecutter Z480 (74353) Engine Blown - Options?

[bertsmobile1]

The main reason is that I am not very experienced with engines, at least as far as replacing.

It seems to me if you just bought an engine replacement, you can use most of the stuff that is already on the mower already, gas tank and such.

Short block seems to be a bit more complicated esp when it comes to having to set up the timing and all, which I have no clue what to do. At the same time I don't really want to pay someone to do it.

Just looking for the lesser of the two evils.

Take the easy way out.
Go down the list of engines and find the next size bigger than yours that is on special and order it.
Stay with the same brand and you have a 99.9% chance every thing will line up.
When you decide which motor you are thinking of fitting, pop a link to them on here and ask if they will go in.

Repower have a web site that you just type in your old engine model and it will pop up a short list ( of the most expensive ) engines thay have in stock that are a direct replacement.