I don't know much about M51 BMW engine as at work we had M57 engines but they can't take high revs too long and I've written off at least 10 of them ---- the locking set will be a great benefit to you --- maybe idea to have injectors too as the #4 is no longer available ( got wire on it)

Not really just make sure you line up all timing marks ---- I use a white marker pen to make it easier seeing them ---- have fun with it mate it's quite a mission ---- but very rewarding when all done and running again

I'm not sure but I think you will have to remove front case off engine so you can undo pump drive but --- m57 need puller so would imagine same for your engine The pump itself has 3x13mm nuts clamping to engine and a 13mm nut & bolt at rear of pump ---- pipes are 17mm fittings and nut on pump gear drive is 19mm nut( bar & socket) the biggest issue will be removal of front case

For what it's worth I had similar experiences turned out the linkages were seized up with crap so after a good soaking with GT85 spray and working them they freed up ---- not saying you have that issue but maybe worth a check

Fitted Lockheed rotors n pads all round on mates 4.6 ---- so now I owe no favours anymore we even again till end of June when he resprays disco 1 🤗

Trouble is with Vogue's ---- which ones are real ---- 2000 onwards chrome badge ---- buy on eBay for few quid ----- my 99 Vogue' se badge is made from greyish colour letters ----- so unless you really now what to look for 🙄

Not as many as in 80s though when it was the drivers ability not computer aided like now ---- I was bought up on NASCAR and drag racing --- and as for highly paid softies kicking a light weight plastic ball about 🙄🙄🙄

He could be either or both as not many people are interested in either these days

I'm so glad you fully explained about the honey badger ---- I thought it was an adult entertainer 😲😲 I think I'll stick to old land rovers and p6 rovers it's safer 😁😁

I know Tom at Roverviews got some you could always try him don't know what cost would be though .

I've heard of people cutting cats to remove the stuff but never to fix it the honey comb ceramic or whatever it is breaks and turns blocking the exhaust ---- had Mondeo do that ---- only thing I can suggest is either replacement via breakers or de- cat which only causes more issues at MOT test

Actually spark plugs / temp sensor can effect engine temp along with rad condition Thor / gems different rads Injectors lambda sensors ---- gems runs hotter than Thor --- strange that 🤔

ARP studs are way to go 🤗 my Buick engine had over £7k spent on it But worth every penny 🤗 You only want to do the job once mate Rover V8 is simpler to do that most --- that water from rear of manifold as on Thor waterways at back of head not used --- probably no sealant used 🙄 also superglue rocker cover gasket to cover ---- this will save you no end of hassle with fitting 🤗
I build marine engines for mod and F1 power boats --- and we glue gaskets to covers for fitting

I think it easier to work on the V8 than most engines as you don't even have to worry about put push rods back in order as hydraulic lifters sort that ---- I've done both heads valley etc over a weekend

To be honest it's easier to lift engine out than drop gearbox due to torque converter ---- I would guess inlet manifold gasket as vogue like yours 🙄

1997 ( P - reg ) 4.6 HSE 85000 miles green / black interior on springs & 16" steels £1600 Tom @ Roverviews

I've seen it and very tidy vehicle that runs quite nice ---- so if anyone wants a low miles tidy P38 give him a call --- he offered it to me but I'm not after a P38

Just thought --- that large flange with holes is end of crankshaft iirc isn't that alloy by last cap held by 2 grub screws--- under sealant

I drop 2 old bolts into caps and squeeze them together and wiggle cap up and out ---- that's always worked for me

1 classic worth 3x p38s let alone 4 😲 Lad at work selling his £25k Saturday --- his dad got a 2 door classic csk

I'm afraid James Taylor takes what he hears from other people quite a lot Some years ago he kept on to me about the rover p6 special v8s as I knew a test driver ---- it all went in his book -- pre lockdown he parked his classic next to my vogue didn't even say hello ---- What is it with people putting big wheels and low profile tyres on range rovers ---- I think it is a drug dealer thing round where I live 🙄🙄