I didn't remove the needle from the speedo - as you say, this could introduce an inaccurate reading.

I wouldn't have a problem fitting either the standard or Gates "Group A" (ie citroen XM) belt to my engine (in fact I don't know what's fitted at the moment).

With regards anything else, it may be worthwhile changing the thermostat whilst you're doing a bit of spannering. If 2wd, get a 82 degree stat again from GGR on ebay. If 4x4, get a 82 degree stat from Halfords, part number HTK606 (look in the box before you buy it - it should contain a thickish rubber seal that's thicker than the standard Ford seal but still useable) for about £6, unless you want a genuine 88 degree stat from Ford for about £45 with the correct (thinner) seal.

If you are ordering a few items from GGR, you can phone them direct, allowing you to get a combined (cheaper) postage price. Before you phone them, check out the condition if the wiring of the crank position sensor (goes brittle - disconnect the sensor from the engine loom and give it a good wiggle and wait for the cracking noises) and the wiring of the phase sensor inside the dizzy (also goes brittle allowing the wires to touch). Consider getting yourself a spare air charge temp sensor and water temp sensor.