1)       
Take off the cat, 
and replace with required piping. 
 
>> Nothing. Just supply him 
with the pipe. www.dmc-service.nl sell 
them. He will need to undo 4 nuts, and it doesn't matter if they snap offas 
the bypass pipe replaces them anyway.
 
2)       
All the bits for the ren vac system, plus an R30 
dizzy, and source a metering head from a Volvo 760 (your words I know) 
 
>> You'll 
have to ask Darren! You have his number
 
3)       
Sort out the timing and tune the engine. 
 
>> Would 
be done anyway. You might want to talk to him about new plugs and general 
service items, though he'll soon tell you if things need 
doing.
 
So far he's quoted me £300 forthe head 
gasket work, but since so much of the engine is off for this, should the above 
be too difficult? It would so nice to deliver the car to Darren, then pick her 
up 3 weeks later 40Hp up, and a lot more reliable. This is my money eating 
project for next month. 
 
>> Remember although he has been a 
professional, and his work is beyond doubt, he DOESN'T do this full time,so a 
timescale might not be too reliable.
 
Martin