1961 cub cadet engine conversion

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Okay. It is somewhat obvious that you may be interested in reisnstalling the K161 back in your Original. These sites will have members or as with the first two sponsors that sell both new and used parts. ALL the sites have great people that will be able to line you up with a K161 or the replacement K181. It would be less hassle than cutting up, welding and in general ruining a old Cub Cadet. As far as the 7 hp Wisconsin having more torque/power, whatever than the Kohler. Personal opinion is all that is. Someone that installed a non original engine always "beams with pride" at their accompishment. I've seen firsthand those 7 hp Kohler engines on an Original walk away with a wagon full or ear or shelled corn, pull a wagon load of hay, and even rake hay. One final thing... Yes, I happen to have a "spare" Kohler 7 hp for an Original. I know the engines are out there. You just have to be creative as I was to find one. I've provided you with four resources to acquire one. More if you utilize the contents within those sources. Summing up... sell the Wisconsin and get another Kohler... then have some fun with your little tractor.

Not sure about the belt tensioner down to the clutch assembly, why you'd need it with a proper belt. I suppose if you wanted to eliminate slippage, you could chuck the pulleys and make it a chain drive from the engine to the clutch...but I'd recommend fabricating some sort of chain guard, above AND below. [thinking out loud there...]