Update #2
Well the guys have made a little more progress. They're taking it easy as this engine hasn't been apart in more than 24 years so things are going to be difficult. One of the heads is off now and it had failed on #4 cylinder between the top of the liner and the water way.
Though the compression test didn't show up a drop on that bore, so goes to show doesn't it. The delay was getting the feed and scavange pump off the front of the engine, didn't want to let go quickly. Second head is now being soaked with releasing oils etc before they attempt to remove. Notice the brown sludge in the picture, looks like the remanents of rad-weld, so maybe the seller would have known of possible issues?
The cams look to be in good condition so that's a plus point as I didn't want to have much metal removed etc and I've not located anyone selling replacements. Just hoping the crank is just as healthy. Notice the wooden prop, the engine is one heafty beast, much heavier than the Ferrari engines the guys are used to working on and it's aluminium!
Can't wait to hear the engine live again, really miss not having her nearby. (wouldn't miss the wife as much!)
Still I'm doing the right thing as one sold at auction last month for £60K, though fully restored. But not in it for the financials, more about the grin I have when driving it.
Interesting fact I found out, while my car was registered in August 1982, making it one of the last sold, it was actually completed and sent over from the factory in July 1980. Therefore it sat around the importers for two years before being sold. Could be that it was a cancelled order and that they struggled to sell it, so someone may have got themsleves a good deal.
But the biggest problem with these engines, according to the specialists, is the lack of use causing the head gaskets to go. And as it was the same engine used in various sizes from 4.2 litres to 5 litres across the entire range starting with the Quattroporte 1 to Kyalami, a thing to bear in mind when looking to buy a car so equiped. Modern gasket manufacture would help compared to the original quality.
Enjoy the pictures, I'll keep the updates coming as i get them.