Ok ok ok deep down I know your probably right =P but I'm definitely doing sump sealing,front and rear seals and checking chain stretch(when my locators finally arrive) ...Still debating the valve seals but I dont have the right compressor for it with heads on.

I've heard the sticky rings issue before too most recommend a good thrashing!. I don't think this is the case on my C43, my money is on a worn chain causing my low rpm grumble and ticking noise in the higher rpm...will be super interesting to go over it when it's out this week.

When running the new bead of 5970 around the upper oil pan, there is 9 bolts which are oil side of the seal and the rest are outside, I guess I will need to seal the bolts otherwise it will leak from the bolt holes like my C43 does!

Also do you guys use 5900 instead of 5970 over there? I can get 5900 so much cheaper here just wondering how comparable it is to the genuine MB stuff.