March 12th update:
With the engine back in, reassembly has started...kinda. I had to rebuild all the coolant lines going from the pump to the thermostat to the heater core to the oil cooler.

That soaked up a few days getting that right. Also, made the plugs for the vacant A/C system. Then, with the exhaust back from the welder, sent it to the ceramic coater, QC Coatings. Unfortunately, it'll take about 10 days to get that done. The intake work is back from the powder coater; I also went on a mission to smooth the intake manifold, and had that powder coated too. I think this is the worlds first powder coated MINI Cooper S intake manifold. Also, I installed the polyurethane passenger side upper engine mount bushing, took off the oil pan and did the turbo return line fitting, and installed the injectors and fuel rail to the intake manifold. It's getting to the point where things are going to start being put back together!