Dennis F.,
I hear ya and I agree - if I'm going to put the effort & time into it, I'd rather not cut corners to just save a few $$ and end up with a half-a$$ed job that is so-so in performance.
Yes, a new gasket kit and ignition kit. I'll test my current coil, it may also need a new coil.
As of now, I'm planning to expect doing an overbore to the block, which will require an oversize piston and ring set. I also plan to replace the OEM connecting rod and the exhaust valve. The valve job, guides and replacement of the intake valve will be determined by the machine shop.
Now Matt D. mentioned he uses a "STENS MASTER ENGINE REBUILD KIT" with success. However, I don't know what connecting rod is supplied with those kits. I see where Brian Miller offers 3 connecting rods for the 12HP Kohler; a used #47-067-09 rod, a used #-22 rod and a new #-22 rod.
Do you have any thoughts/experience as to what rod comes in the STENS kits?
Maybe I'd be better served by piecing a REBUILD KIT together thru my machine shop guy or ?
Ryan W
P.S.
Now if I get a wild hair, sell something or my budget gets some windfall, I'd also like to get the head milled maybe ~0.040" to bring the compression up just a tad. I'd like to step up to an 18HP cam as well, but at ~$100 a pop, I'm thinking,,,eh,,mmm,,, probably not.