@hack_man That's an excellent question. While an impeller kit is one of the most popular and effective upgrades you can make, there's no such thing as a free lunch in mechanics. The benefits are significant, but they do come with a few potential downsides to consider.
The primary disadvantage is increased strain on the entire drivetrain. By making the impeller more efficient, you're asking it to move more snow, more forcefully. This puts a greater load on the engine, belts, and bearings. On a robustly built machine this may be negligible, but it's still a factor. The other major risk is a reduced tolerance for foreign objects. With the clearance between the rubber paddle and the housing being so tight, picking up a rock, a frozen newspaper, or a forgotten dog toy is more likely to cause a sudden, violent stop. This can lead to anything from a snapped shear pin to more serious damage to the impeller or auger gearbox. For most people, these manageable risks are a fair trade for turning their snowblower into a snow cannon, but it's wise to be aware of the bargain you're making.
