Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I dug up my old blower that I am hoping will hold me over until I get the funds for a new unit. It's an old Craftsman 1986 model, 10hp 32" cut. Putting a new carb on it next week, and a kit for the impeller via http://smllengns.tripod.com/ that is highly recommended. I last used it some 17 years ago, and then my brother in law used it and wore it out. He tried to rebuild it but gave up due to the carb (too cheap to spend money on it).  So it's been moth balled for about 10 years. Got it going by pumping gas in the carb, but the gas was old in the tank, very bad gas. Going to purge the gas out, clean all the lines etc. Anyone using an old doll like this and find it works ok? If it shows some potential after getting the new parts and throws the snow decently, may modify it. I like old stuff (if works well). I think it underpowered. An old 10HP on a 32" cut seems underpowered. I remember it being a bit to handle also. Has tire chains. Should I take those things off? It caused the blower to be bouncy when transporting it. The impeller housing, I believe is 14". There is approx, what appears to be 3/4 to an inch clearance between the impeller and housing. The kit will fix that. With the tune up, kit and maybe a complete paint job on the inside housing the blower may be ok. Just a thought, put a 13hp motor on it (If I like it after using it this winter) thus giving it the power it needs to throw the snow and slush. But then again it's big, and hard to handle compared to the new blowers, so after looking at the new steer able Toro's and other new brands, I am saving for a new unit. But for now I got to get the old doll ready for a snowy winter.  The worst thiing that can happen is I can sell it and get my parts money back towards a new unit. Many here using big old blowers with success?