Found a bit of play in the big ends, the fly wheel moves slightly without moving the pistons. This is measured at about 15 degrees c I would expect less movement when hot but how much is ok before taking it all to bits?
If it drives though it's not toast, not even brown bread. Carry on driving it until it throws a rod and save your money for a replacement engine rather than a rebuild (and sell the heads you take off to subsidise it)
The journals are smooth on both the mains and big ends and thankfully the main shells look much better than the big ends. Might as well check the bores and pistons tomorrow. Only took the engine out to allow access to strip and paint the chassis