Success the 3.8L lives!
 

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...d0fb6def9b.jpg
Replacing the water pump
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...0b20b76fda.jpg
Running for the first time
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...5d735ba5dc.jpg
Air cleaner reinstalled
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...0b64f83a93.jpg
Gauges with the engine running for the first time on many years.

When one purchases an old car and the previous owner does not even know if the engine runs it always a happy day when it turns out that the motor in fact is ok and just needed some attention. The Mk2 I purchased earlier this year had not been on the road for many years and today I started the engine for the first time after: 1) SU overall, 2) new water pump, 3) new plugs/wires/coil/distributor parts and 4) a couple of oil changes. Old pressure goes about to 3/4 scale when rev'd, no rattles, no noticeable smoke. Now its worth moving to the suspension and brakes. I did find out that the generator is not charging through so will have to trouble shoot the regulator and the rest of the charging system.

Hello,
Good job.
Perhaps I will have the same pleasure from my engine :-)
Peter

Hopefully your build goes well. Enjoy.