And yes - there will likely be a plan C
Following some more tinkering and and exploding things, and after some soul searching and being honest with myself I have discovered the following.
The tapping which I initially thought was the cam seems to have gone away completely. I am now doubting that the readings I got with the DTI were accurate, I did think this before because I was spazzing it up completely.
If I can bare my soul a bit and be honest, i have over complicated this whole process in my head due to lack of knowledge and jumping from one suggestion to another and the more I learn the more I realise I don't need a full on engine build right now - I need to calm down a bit and do some maintenance.
This is what im going to have a go at end of the month - please feel free to advise / chip in.
1) Remove Radiator and fan: (see other post on how I exploded it)
a) Replace fan belt
b) Replace Rad (fletcher alloy 2 core)
c) Replace Fan (6 blade steel)
d) Buy new feeler gauge
e) buy new timing gun (suggestions please)
2) Buy uprated cylinder head gasket set
3) Remove rocker assembly and check again.
4) Check pushrods for true
5) Remove head and get new valves fitted/seated and have it gas flowed and cleaned up (machine shop) - whilst its there they can check cc in chambers.
6) Check Compression ratio on pistons (could someone explain how on a mini)
7) Check bores - if ok, stop imagining i need a +20/+40 rebore and all new pistons
8) Replace rings if required.
9) Replace + gap spark plugs
10) Recondition carb as best I can.
11) Gunsen colourtune mixture
12) check timing
13) Check timing
14) Change oil and filter (millers 20/50)
15) good all round clean up of engine bay with lots of blue roll, cloth and degreaser
anyone think this is a reasonable plan for maintenance whilst I save up for a full engine job?
Guidance needed on the following.
a) Timing numbers
b) Head work whilst its off.
c) bore wear