If you go up to something like a 342cc (11hp) from a 250cc (8hp). Your probably getting into a different block size. Eight and ten horse blocks are usually the same. 11 & 13 horse are usually the same but
larger than the eight and ten. It's that way with Honda's so I'm assuming it's that way with Briggs. If it is, then the engine mount bolts holes will be different. The crankshaft vertical center line
will be higher and the engine will probably have to be moved back on the blower. The belt cover may also not fit because of the higher crankshaft. Not trying to discourage you, just pointing out
some other things that may be involved in re-powering your blower.
Another modification that you might consider. Check to see how much clearance you have between the tips of the impeller
blades and the impeller housing. If it's more than a 1/8" say 1/4 to 5/16". Buying an impeller kit or extending the blades by adding on weld. Will give you a noticeable improvement in throwing
distance. And the blowers ability to throw really wet almost slushy snow. Having said that, improving the impellers efficiency will also put a bigger load on the engine.
But you could then upgrade from the 8hp to a 10hp (instead of an 11hp) to pick up some additional power. And staying with the same block size would eliminate the problems of going up a block size.
Assuming the eight and ten horse Briggs engines share the same block size. Just some thoughts.
I re-powered my Ariens 1032 with an 11hp Honda clone (and have now put a 13hp Honda on it)
Increased the the blower drive pulley from 2 3/4" to 3 1/4". And decreased the impeller blade clearance to 1/16+
Here is a video of the throwing distances it has now. Most of the snow was dense over plow and had been sitting for days. It's great fun to use!
Doing the same modifications on a blower with a 24" bucket instead if a 32" bucket. And you would have no trouble throwing across the street.
Blower videoGreat video, That 32" ariens with that 11hp clone is doing a great Job. I just got done doing a 11hp clone install on a early 80's 26" cub cadet large frame machine. This cub has a 14" diameter impeller with 16" diameter augers. I expect to move the snow very effectively being only 26" wide.
