Just ordered my parts from pelican, as well as a new thermostat, aux fan resistor, and bmw oil cap (SACRILEGE: mine says vw) and I plan to paint my intake and valve cover while I have parts coming off. Thanks for the write up!
Edit: Holding off while I gather a few more parts, I'd like to swap out my fuel injectors while I'm in there, as well as paint intake and valve cover.