I know Kim at QST had a v10 which blew something expensive (circa £5k IIRC) - think you're spot on that most jobs are easiest done by pulling the motor....
There's a bloke with a v10 with r50 body kit on AudiSRS which looks and goes extremely well
http://audisrs.com/about31106.html
I'd defo have a toerag if I could justify it - my fav 4x4 and manages to look more compact than its cousin. A Range rover would be my next choice