Is that £3k all fitted or just the motor?
If you need a quick turn around then £3k might be worth it. However, if you have the time and resources buy the short and do the work yourself.
We had the same when the wife stripped the wiring out and forgot to label any of it. However, once you start to plug the blocks together it will, in the main, all come clear. Then it's out with the volt meter.........good luck.
My temp gauge also says that the engine is too hot. However, having bought a infra-red themo gun I've established that the temp is actually between 82 - 90. Have you checked the earths from the back of the clocks?
If you're intent on insulating why bother stripping the hammerite off? At least you know that it is well protected and if you use spray on evo stick glue it bonds well with the hammerite. I used the aluminium bubble insulation stuff from B&Q.
I was faced with a similar dilemma - in the end we got a set (fronts and middles) TD5 doors that were shop soiled from Craddocks for £700. We transplanted all the parts from the old to the new ones, and still managed to sell the old ones for £90!!!! Have a look on fleabay and try to pick up a set that you can repair.
Are disco stub axles and calliper brackets the same as defender ones? I've seen a disco rear axle with discs and was wondering if I could transplant the relevant parts. Bearing in mind mine is a 110 csw.
I'm watching this with interest - I'd like to go the factory route but don't want to spend much money. Due to the latter, I've only got the disks and pads so far. Therefore I need:
Brake calipers
Caliper brackets
200tdi Stub axles
and??????? lots of advice!