I'm not clear about how far you want to go ? I am assuming since you rule out the bare block approach you will not be touching the crank or pistons ?
In that case you don't need the engine out ; just remove the head and strip it down
Replace all gaskets when you reassemble , new camshaft oil seals , new valve stem oil seals ,grind in the valves after checking the guides for play , do check the head face for flatness etc etc .
Or do you really want to go further ?
