Insurance is a killer for me, so I'll probs just keep it as standard... maybe

I may actually just whip the head off in-situ and see if I can replace the rings there.... though I was considering buying a second engine like you, and rebuilding it out of the car, then getting someone to stick it in for me (I dont have the facilities to lift one out).

According to the Ford TIS document, the engine mounts need removed, and a crane is required to lift the head off ?? is this true ? it must weigh a ton if so !