Replacing System Kernel w/ a Mainline Kernel or Zanmod Kernel

[KubuntuEPL]

Could I install another kernel and uninstall the the Default Kernel w/out a problem?
(Another Kernel Kernel such as Mainline or Zanmod)

[claydoh]

Yes, you can install another kernel. Luckily, you can have multiple versions installed, and select the one you want in the grub menu.
it is safer and easier to keep the stock kernels, for safety and simplicity. One can remove the stock kernel but there is a bit of extra work needed to keep it from being reinstalled during normal updates.

[KubuntuEPL]

So if the Stock Kernel is removed, there will be System Problems?

[rab0171610]

I had this problem after installing the liquorix kernel for ubuntu. I managed to finally get the stock kernel uninstalled in synaptic after a few tries. You have to uninstall the kernel, headers, and the virtual kernel package (linux-generic, linux-image-generic). I couldn't understand why the kernel kept getting reinstalled during updates even though I did this. Once i removed linux-base, the problem was solved. The linux-generic and linux-image-generic are a dependency of this package was the reason.
If a kernel is working for you, there is no need to keep the stock kernel if you do not choose to. I have not had any problems with an alternative kernel with no stock kernel (ubuntu/distribution kernel) installed. The kernel is just another package and can be switched out for an alternative. If you are an advanced linux user and have reliable backups that you know can be restored, you are sure the new kernel is working for you, and are taking full responsibility for your system using an unsupported kernel, I'd say go for it. if not, I'd say take the safer more conservative route and keep a backup stock kernel installed. They can live alongside one another peacefully. I like to keep a lean system and have been using linux for 20+ years, so I prefer not to have multiple kernels installed. Whatever you decide, good luck!
( forgot to mention to also uninstall the linux kernel modules extra package if it is installed)