There are some issues I see in my future if I'm trying to do a head gasket on this car... I'd need to look to know the exact number, but this engine has 200K+ miles on it. Probably like 230K. I picture the timing chain dropping down into the cover. So then I'd have to take that off and find out that all of the plastic chain guides are broken. Tgen I wouldn't be able to get the chain back on the pump and I'd have to drop the pan. And long before this I'd be wishing I had just pulled the engine in the first place. Or is this just Murphy running wild in my brain?

The last time I did my M20, it was easy. The timing belt and water pump was an afternoon job for that car. I pulled the belt, unbolted the head, and lifted it with a cherry picker. I remember I left the exhaust on, but I don't remember about the intake. That motor is so simple and bulletproof, I never resurfaced anything. I just bolted it back together and went.