You can see the little spots of wax in this pic. I never thought about it before this discussion - it was just something that happened. Its not there on the V6 bolt afaik, but thats a steel block so a bit stronger. Possibly its on the V8 one to mitigate the effect of the twisting torque on the alloy block? If I remember I will get a better look at the next new one.
New thermostat, the correct way up
Timing gear back on
I had the top water pipe powder coated with the sump since it was pretty scruffy