You don't need anything particularly specialist...other than a little tool for locating in the flywheel at TDC. Most motorfactors do them, though. There's a little Draper kit that's OK. I think I made one out of a bolt and a drillbit last time I did it though. I definitely didn't buy the tool, because I'm tight!
Be careful with the power steering reservoir....you need to remove it for clearance, but the outlet pipe on the bottom of it can get embrittled over age and they sometimes snap off..
O/S jacked up, axle stand, wheel off
Header tank out, reservoir moved out of the way, engine mount off (obvs with a jack under engine, with a block of wood to spread load on sump).
Remove auxhiliiary belt.
Set flywheel to TDC and lock in place with tool.
Rocker cover off (miiiight be worth getting a new gasket, but they're normally salvageable though).
You need a strip of steel (can't remember how thick, maybe 3mm) to lock the cams at TDC on the back of the camshaft, there's a slot. I think I used a couple of steel rules and padded them out to the correct thickness.
Actually, rather than me type it all out, watch this:
PS: Haynes manual actually covers it well. Still haven't heard your engine noise, but make sure it's not top end rattle, or little end rattle before you spend the money on all of this.
