Just minor progress to report.
Replaced the timing belt. The old belt was outright scary - surprised it lasted a track event
It is full of little cracks on the outside (see pic below), and as I mentioned earlier it was shedding like a cat. Anyway, got the new thermostat and new two short hoses between sensor housing and engine on. The water pump felt very good - no play whatsoever - new ones often have more (and it does spin freely), so it was left alone. Had the tensioner off and checked the springs, looked good, so it went back on for some more... Wire-brushed off the rust where the old battery shelf used to sit, and primed and painted - color not the best match, but it'll do.
See pics below for some details.
Got radiator and new hoses etc in boxes- everything is ready to go on
Jes
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87 Milano Verde - daily driver -
Juliet
87 Milano 3.0 Motronic - budget race car -
Roxanne
87 Milano 3.7 24v - race car
(Repeating what I suggest or do is at your own risk - be critical)