Thanks for the reply
I thought the engine still in the bay was wishful thinking, but engine out seems a more attractive proposition - I do have jack stands but after doing brake lines on Mum's Barina I have no desire to lay underneath a car for any longer than absolutely necessary.
I think you're spot on with the SMF and clearly there's no definitive way to know beforehand without knowing the full service history.
I'll just have to suck it and see...
If it's already a SMF, are there any wear limits should it need machining, or is that another thing I should just source beforehand?
peace out
Glenn