can anyone give me some advice as to what i should do whilst the engine is out??? what do you think?
Welcome mate.
Engine out.... well apart from the usual replacement of all the hoses (CHOD) thermostat etc, I would have a good look in the engine bay for rust and get that sorted before you put it back in. Also check engine mounts, radiator, oil cooler etc. Turbo refurb?
The front cross member (behind the bumper) underside is usually rusty too. Oh, and the black slam panel will almost certainly need sorting out. The cross beam which holds up the radiator will probably need stripping of rust and repainting too. The "outriggers" posts which support the lower parts of the bumper on each side may also be rusty.
Get the washer bottle and coolant header tank cleaned out if they are murky.
If you are really anal (like me) the refurb will never end, but you'll have fun doing it.