I was given a 1.8 bottom end by Jimbo, many moons ago as he no longer wanted it and I thought it would be a good opportunity for a rebuild.
At the time I didn't really have a plan for the block, but as time progressed (years) it was to become a new engine for the Phase 1 hatch I bought. I wanted to try and make it a bit better than standard, but nothing over the top.
At the end of the day it is just a standard bottom end, refurbished with a modified head.
Stripping the Block
Well here is how the block looked when i first got it...
This block had about 150k on it, still not bad condition. It sat in my garage for a week or so, having thinners chucked at it now and again when i walked passed, I finally set to it.
Sump off revealing the crank.
Pulling the pistons out, rod caps off
and heres a close up of the bearings themselves:

badly worn ..still no matter, they of course will be replaced.
Pistons all out, marked up the rods and caps to ensure they would all go back together as they came out.
Main Bearings removed;
Crankshaft out:
Journals all in fine condition.
Removing the front pulley to get the front plate off using a bearing puller.
Coolant plug on rear of block:
TDC locking pin hole, with bolt removed, on front, lower, right of block, viewed from front:
Removing Aux shaft pulley:
After removing this, access to the locking plate is available and the shaft can be removed.
Removed the oil jets located at the bottom of the bores, and that was pretty much everything stripped off now.