Engine replacement 1.8 possible options

Hi everyone. I have Freelander 1.8 coil pack type engine. Cylinder head gasket was done twice and is over-heating and losing coolant again. No leaks have been detected. Top of the engine boiling hot, gargeling noise in expansion tank,top radiator hose hot ,bottom cold.I have replaced thermostat and inlet manifold gasket, I noticed that somebody removed the ball from jiggle valve. I think the cylinder head is cracked, I will try to change the water pump although I can't see any leaks. I have found Rover 45 MG-ZS '04 engine, which looks the same to me. Would this engine fit into my car, I mean bare engine. Would this engine connect to my gearbox considering I will put my "old" flywheel and clutch (they are both new). Thanks for any advice.

Simple answer is yes. It will fitness straight in no problem. Change the timing belt and thermostat before you fit the replacement engine for ease and use new bolts for the flywheel. Everything else is straight forward.

Thanks very much for help

Mine had all the same symptoms, bubbling tank, losing water top hose hot and bottom cold. Eventually it got to the point where the top hose was boiling water, the expansion tank had it leaking out the top and the head gasket had completely gone. Turns out the water pump had failed and wasnt turning. Might be worth taking a look at it sooner rather than later!