WIll a 30hp kohler fit on a 27 kohler GDLT frame? Everything appears to be the same. Just wondering if anyone has done this before I buy.

Try giving gd a call. Most of the companies that make these things are pretty helpfull, with the exception of mb from what I've read. I've had real good luck with kp at pd and hoyt at gt. I've talked to the boys at gd a couple times with regards to my lil bro's longtail, and they have been helpfull too. Can't recall who to ask for at gd though.

27 and 30 are the same block...I vote yes for easy swap, as long as output same.

If the outputs are different sizes, get a new half yoke at Tractor Supply.

The 27hp and 30hp Kohler both use 1.125" output shaft.The foot print for the mounting is the same.Go for it.

I bought an 09 Kohler 30 yesterday for $500. With all that my 27 needed this will be the cheaper route. I am going to put on the 30 and leave it stock. I am afaid I may not like the LT on my boat so I don't want to invest too much into it till I know for sure.

thats cool! let us know how it works.

Coco told me that the 30 would not do well due to a low end tour problem,i was also told the same by MB.

JP how fast did that 30 push the aucoin hull?

GPS'd it yesterday. Ran 18 on average with just me at 3400-3450 RPMs. If I reach back and work the throttle manually and bypass the governer the best I got was 22.5 at 3800-3850 RPMS. I want to turn my governer up but not real sure what the safe limit is for a Kohler. Its no speed demon but it will get me by for now.

if you do have low end torque problems, you might just be able to adjust the idle screw and have it idle at higher rpms.
don;t qoute me on that, i'd like for someone more carb smart to answer that for me.

The only thing that I can see that might cause a bog with the 30 is the lack of accelerator pump on the carb. The 27 has an accelerator pump. But so far I have had no problem with power or how it runs. The only issues I have had are attributed to the 30-40 degree weather I have been running in. Its a little cold natured. Gonna get some more stick time and play as I go.

lets get a little more feed back on the 30 vs the 27.

I am happy with my 30. The only reason I went with it is because I didn't want to spend a ton of money to get my 27 back in shape. I bought the 30 and honed and re-rung it. Runs great now. I am happy with performance. It pushes my boat an average of 18-19mph with a worn out prop. Over all I am very happy with the motor. I want a SD but the LT will get me by for now.