+++

I have a complete spare head (with bent valves) if anyone needs a test mule. It has the existing tensioner with worn (160k miles) pads on it.

No I am pretty sure they didn't change the cam cap bolts. I hope that's going to be ok.

I am sure the pads can be changed in place. The bottom pad is the tricky one of course. Once the top pad is off, there should be enough chain slack to do the bottom pad, its just a matter of devising some make shift tools or a bit of strong sticky tape to allow the bottom pad to be manouvered into place then pulled so it snaps on. If you do go for it please please do a video or some pics of the method that works.
I really wanted to try it myself but the 8 went in for other work so I asked them to do it with the cam wiggle method. I don't think they could be bothered to try the pad only method. Probably too frustrating.

Where abouts are you? I wouldn't mind having a practice on it. If its something that can potentially prevent a more serious failure and there is a cheap easy way to do-it-yourself its worth finding out.

Which side? I need a passenger side which can be rebuilt. My proper ****ed passenger side head can be used for testing this theory :) (although I have a couple of each)

Passenger side. I'll take a couple of pics over the weekend
Only reason why I didn't rebuild it was that the car came with a 'good' head courtesy of the forum sponsors already in the boot

I'm in Belfast but will be over in England in the new year and can chuck it in the boot

+++

Goran - I'll try this between xmas and NY and post up what happens :)

Thanks Michaela +++
I hope you have success with it.

I'm well jealous really want to have a try too :)

Where are you based? You're welcome to come down to Devon and we can give it a go together :)

That's a great offer, thanks! I'd be there like a shot if it wasn't for the distance, i'm in east Kent, wrong side of London :)
Let me know which day you are going to give it a go, I might come if I get fed up of all this time indoors.