Hey Jezza,
Yes, Geoff is right, they did run serpentine belts and reverse flow water pumps.
You will need the Australian 5L Timing chain cover, but you should be able to run a normal rotation water pump to suit your brackets. I’ve seen a few XR8 engines in mustangs with V belts.
Technically a normal rotation water pump flows better with these covers, Ford never bothered to correct the water flow path of the cover. If you look into it you’ll see what I mean! You’ll find it easy to find water pump gaskets, I needed to get mine from the US.
I’ve got the American engine, they are different timing chain covers.
The later 5.0 Windsor engines also have 351W ignition firing order, 13726548.
I use a Low pressure 5-7 psi Goss GE393 to supply my surge tank, you may be able to use one of those. (Mr Gasket or Carter, same thing) You’ll need to run it close to your fuel tank!
Hope I’ve helped not confused.
Cheers Phil.