Next incarnation will be stronger with mini spares flanged nuts and is payen still the head gasket of choice? I'm not sure there are many other options.

Washers need to be hardened (apologies if you know all this!). Flanged nuts can be used without them.

I've got washers and deep nuts (ooh er). These held my 1500 together with a +60 bore so aren't bad, but I'll look at getting some better ones.  I'm not building this engine too pootle about 

Yeah… that’s done. Ok job with the right tool. I’d suggest giving the joint a good swill out and full re-grease.  OE Audi shafts are pretty decent usually. The Sootmonster ones are original at almost 370k, though on their third set of boots on the outer joints. Close inspection of the other side recommended as they seem to be pretty accurately lifed!

Thanks all, big sigh of relief when I saw it, and not broken block, head, or pistons! @JumpingFrog previous gasket was a payern one. I've definitely had several types of payern ones in the past, one of which lasted fewer than 50 miles. I think this one looked ok when it went on.

This.   Do you have a set of the MiniSpares flanged head nuts? If not I strongly recommend getting some so you can be sure of torquing to the correct value and the threads holding!

At least you know and hopefully an easy fix. 

That's definitely blown! I'd keep an eye on 3&4, but not he immediately concerned. They have been carrying almost the full load of the engine after the HG went, so being a tad toasty is to be expected!

Outstanding day out sailing today with @Gt64fun and the ladies. He was even brave enough to allow me to helm his boat. It took a surprisingly large amount of concentration to maintain a vaguely straight course! Lunch stop moored off Studland with Old Harry Rocks in the background.

I think head gasket is a pretty good outcome vs. snapped crank! As I've recently reminded myself, there are many worse cars to do a head gasket on! Out of interest, what was the previous gasket? P.S. I have a few NOS Coopers/Stanpart compressed asbestos gaskets, you're welcome to one if you want.