can I change the rings without removing the engine?

Okay, just thinking out loud here.

In order to change piston rings with the engine in-situ, then either the pistons have to come out the top of the bores or the bottom.

To come out the bottom, crank would have to removed, along with all caps, sump, flywheel (which I guess means popping the bell-housing off to get that lump out. The front cross-member may get in the way of getting to things to.

To come out from the top, sump would have to come off, the big end caps and the cylinder head. Then the piston/rods could be pulled out of the top. Again, the front cross-member may get in the way of some things.

You know what I'm going say now?...Pull the motor. Zillion times easier in the long run. Beg, borrow, blag or hire a crane. The non-removal method will only end in tears.

Thanks, I'll figure a way to get the engine lifted then.

it's not even something you want to do with the engine block in the car as you need to check and adjust the piston ring length with it placed in the cilinder

The other big issue is keeping everthing clean when still in the car.

I'll be changing the clutch and rings in the spring then. chuck a few oil seals at it yada yada.. valve gear... oh boy. - not done an engine overhaul for ages.

B14's are super easy to get in and out, compared to the hassle of not. It takes about 45mins when you know what you are doing, but you'll have it out in an afternoon if it's the first one you've done. Start on a Saturday morning and you'll be laughing.

Soon as the weather is fair I'll get it overhauled, gives me time to get gasket set, valve seals/guides, cambelt/idler/tensioner, set of filters.. carb rebuild kit.

If I could have just taken the pistons off at the conrod and re-ringed them I would have, since the engine is coming out I may as well do the whole caboodle, big project but ultimately worth it, the rest of the car is excellent excepting a bit of isolated rot. Also I can't decide whether I prefer driving or working on cars, so it's a no-brainer - get it done!

Read the procedures on the technical section here, and follow them exactly. The b14 engine has wet liners and if you displace them you'll most probably never get them sealed again.