G2 Vanguard died - What to replace it with?

[Pflumph]

I built a Frankenstein Vanguard for my G2 about 9 years ago. A few weeks ago, it locked up tight without warning!
It started, I drove it, parked it and shut it off. It wasn't sounding unusual in any way. Went to start it back up 15 minutes later, and nothing. Grabbed the clutch and it won't budge in either direction! I loved that engine - 20HP with racing valve train, 2 barrel EC carb, 16HP heads, copper head gaskets, and all custom wiring. I'd guess it was making close to 30HP when I built it. Pulling a trailer at 30MPH was easy - Stopping wasn't...
Anyway, I've got the VC Vanguard mount. 1" straight shaft Comet clutch. 6" Jakes lift.
What should I replace it with? I'm not racing the thing. Just a runabout work horse toy.
What say the hive mind? Honda? Another (stock this time) Vanguard? Predator?
I'm looking for direct-replacement, bolt-in, reliable.

[slonomo]

I've used many of the available engines out there, not all, but many. I'll give my 2 cents.

#1
For high reving fun, small discplacement engines are better in my opinion. I like my 16hp Vanguard with race cam and rev kit. Lighter weight, smaller package, lots of torque, super smooth, and the quietest of the bunch.

#2
For low reving torque at lower cost, the Predator 670 gets my vote, even comes with a decent muffler. This engine needs some small upgrades to get it up to par with the rest, spark plugs, fuel pump, fuel lines, carb tuning. Sound was decent, like a stock atv.

#3
For all out performance, the 23 Vanguard with 34mm Mikuni kit is really nice. It would even be nicer with a cam and rev kit. Cost was high, but so was performance. It had so much power that my yard didn't like the stripes. Too much power for my wife and kids. It was the loudest of the group.

Those are my top 3

[KOZ45]

Depends also on what amp charging system you need or want