I feel your pain mate, I've nearly completed a 2l G60 build, but got stuck at the last hurdle due to using a long throw crank

Got too much money sunk into to give up, but no enthusiasm to try and sort it.
If you do drop the gearbox you could use one of the polo set ups that replaces the standard crank seal set up, would mean you don't need to drop the crank or anything. Where are you currently planning to fit the external trigger wheel?