Two at once

[dapinky]

I would view it from a different question.....

...... "which would make me happier, within the timescale that I have?"

What I mean is that the jobs you list (and more) can be done with the engine in or out..... it is certainly easier with the engine on a stand in the garage - but it will take a longer timescale.

That said, if timescale is less important, you will actually achieve far more with the engine/gearbox out, because project creep will rear it's head and you will be cleaning, painting, replacing lots of parts that you couldn't see or reach previously (both on the engine and the bulkhead areas).

Bear in mind that the workshop manual nearly always takes the line of getting a specific job done in minimum time (for dealers and customers) - even if it would be easier with the engine out, it won't write it that way.... but only if it is absolutely necessary. So, assuming that you are doing 3 different jobs now, none of them will individually tell you to remove the engine, but to do all 3, it is actually quicker to do so.

(If I didn't need the car 'soon' I'd take the engine/box out and do whatever I could before having to put it back in!)

[Tuga2112]

i have never removed an engine from any car. but your list is something that i have done over the years and certainly none of the jobs on its own would justify a "remove the engine" step

having that said.. the alternator and starter motor are complete PITA to do, and the timing belt aint much easier either... i mean you have stated 3 of the 6 worst jobs I can think of from my experience (others being welding rear jacking points, intake plenum removal and gear cables replacement) and i would expect them all to be trivial if the engine is out.

if you have the space and you dont need the car for a long time, i agree with others and encourage you to do it.

personally even if i was going to do all those jobs in one of my cars. given the fact I need to have the garage free to perform urgent repairs on other cars on a rgular basis. (I also have no idea where i could find the space for the engine ) I wouldnt be doing that.

[Jamie N]

One of the best things about removing the engine from any car is the fact that everything is going to be cleaned, minted up and greased before it's all put back together, meaning
that any work in the future is going to be far easier than something that has rusty nuts an bolts in various hard to access areas, also lets you get at all the other areas of the car that are
difficult to reach with the engine in, and it lets you create something truly show worthy (if you like that sort of thing of course) . If you have the time and enthusiasm I'd say engine out.

[White Elan Man]

Well, I really appreciate the advice, and I agree with the general consensus of engine out, I’ve got the time, space and inclination so it will be looked on as an adventure. I will keep you informed as things progress.