Well, the car is the shop now. And I went round there today to see them take the head and pistons out so we could assess the damage.
Results: 5 busted pistons - Ringlands. Bits and chunks going everywhere when the pistons were removed. (See pic).
The good news was that there was no bore damage and the bearings looked good. (But these will be replaced anyhow).
Interestingly - the timing belt that was meant to have been replaced 5000kms ago looked very similar to a worn orginial timing belt. I wonder what else we will find.
So the Block is off to get decked, prepped , painted, etc. The conrods are off to get measured, balanced, shotpeened, linished and cryo hardened. The head is off for a port and polish.
Should be on the road in a number of weeks - Yay !