It works!

I just have finished putting everything back together and fired the engine up. It started right away, rough for about 2-3 seconds and then nice and smooth; started a couple of more times and the engine picked up right away - very smooth, no knocking or rattling.
...I still have to install the bottom enforcement plate before taking her for a test drive, but am leaving it for tomorrow. ...Tonight I will have a very good sleep...

I will try to put some information together with pictures and a video later on.

Huge thanks to everyone who gave me valuable advice and information that helped me sailing in the right direction through this big and challenging project!