Leadscrew-driven X-axis?

I've been toying around with the idea of modding my R1+ as described in the title. First of all, I do know/acknowledge that a belt-driven system is just fine, that a leadscrew coupled to the existing stepper motor would be very slow, and that I'm better off not messing with things.

Unfortunately, I wish to continue with the idea regardless. I've managed to modify models for the end pieces to the X-axis, and could print them out and assemble the entire thing in a few hours. What's left is to consider the other changes I would need to make.

I'd assume a more powerful stepper would be in order unless I wanted my prints to take ages (well, ages more) to finish. Does anyone know if an upgrade would be possible without a ton of effort? If so, what kinds of things would I be looking for?

Past that, I'm a bit curious for other things I might need to watch out for when preparing something like this. Any insight would be helpful. I'm prepared to allow "because I can," to be my motivation for this project, but I won't go through with it if it ends up being excessively painful.

I've uploaded hastily-grabbed screenshots from my hastily-modified assembly. The model is, of course, Mike Kelly's. I do realize this is a different model than mine, but the relevant parts appear to be identical.

 

Spoiler: screens

 

What pitch leadscrew are you thinking on using?

 

Be sure you buy some anti-backlash nuts for this. I agree TR8*8 would be a good thread pitch

 

Thanks, all. I did go with TR8*8 for the leadscrew, along with a handful of other parts that I'll write up on at a later date. Long story short, the system functions. I still need to calibrate and see what I can do with the setup, but it works.