Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Replacing engine On Sears Garden Tractor, cam shaft, engine spec

Question
I have a Sears garden tractor; model 917.249740 with a Kohler CV20s engine, spec# 65530, S/N#2526506347, that is over 5yrs old that was given to me and was run without oil. The engine has a broken rod, piston, cam-shaft, 1-cracked head, a fractured cylinder and a crack in the bottom of the oil pan. So short block is out of the question. I looked for new Kohler CV20 series engine and prices I found to be around $2,000. My question is, what would be the difficulty of going to the same horsepower of a Briggs engine, I found a new Briggs Vanguard 351700 20HP for a $1,000. In your opinion would this be an exceptable replacement, if not what would you possibly recommend? The tractor is in excelllent shape, just needs an engine and not wanting to spend $2,000 if i can find a suitable replacment, just to mow my 1/2 acre and light duty garden work. Thank you for your input and have a great day.

Answer
 Hello John:

 As Long as the Shaft is the Same Diameter and Length as the Old Engine and the HP is not over 5HP less than you now have; you can put a Different Engine on the Frame you have. The Briggs Engine will be Fine. Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John