Hey Joe, spot on advice there mate. They are exactly the considerations that TrajkulaSB45 should be thinking about. wink
In my case the decision was easy, my original B&S was becoming so unreliable and my concern was not originality but functionality....and my machine only had 2 probs; one was called Briggs and the other..... laugh
I went for a Honda replacement because of their reputation; first pull starting and reliability.....It's the best decision I ever made. It was easy to fit, even the bolt holes lined up; and the Honda engine drive mated to the Scotty clutch assy perfectly. My engine is a G100 2.5hp.
TrajkulaSB45 may like to have a look at some pics of my machine in the topic "Old Mower Pictures" thread "Scott Bonnar Model 45 restored. wink
cheers2

Please do not PM me asking for support. Please post your questions in the appropriate forums, as the replies it may receive may help all members, not just the individual member.
Kindest Regards, Darryl grin