We soon managed to get an engine though!
A good VVC motor, with all ancillarys out of an MG
It had a fair oil leak from the cam carrier joint, but you could see it had the multi layer head gasket, so the plan was not to remove the head, just reseal the bits that were leaking.

Its had a full head gasket set, new seals etc, removed the sump to see an uprated ladder rail, and spotlessly clean inside. However, when it had been stripped and new gaskets fitted, they didnt seal the cam carrier joint, hence the oil leak.

Quick check of the exhaust cam timing showed it was out by around 8 degrees, so i fitted an offset dowel and got it spot on. Looking forward to trying this!

New cam belt fitted, plastic manifold fitted, S2 exhaust manifold fitted
Just need a clutch friction plate as the original was pretty worn, but it is all AP stuff.