thanks for the replies...

1. water pump + timing belt + alternator belts have already been done

2. i'm going to admit i dont know here wots a VRS gasket?

3. i'm also going to amdit i dont know wot thrust bearings are

4. reason i am getting Ek9 pistons is simple... i'm getting them shipped to my door from USA for $300 including rings and pins...

5. DC2R rods - reason is i dont know a better conrod to use, but thanks for teh suggestion james i'll look into Eagle

6. in a perfect world i'll get a wiseco ring/rod/piston/crank kit... but ah well...