Well...I forgot I started this post and just saw it. All of you techs gave great answers, but I'll tell you what happens when the install is being done by a coward.
I put the engine and trans together and lifted it with a Harbor Freight 2 ton crane and a Harbor Freight 3/4 ton load leveler. The car was on the twin-post lift, so I couldn't lift just the back (at least the lift mfr said never to do it). So I get the engine/trans up over the engine bay and I start cranking that load leveler. The trans goes down and it's pretty close to the firewall. The front of the new 340/416 stroker is over the radiator support. The hole setup is at a 45 degree angle. I've got sons on both sides of the car to make sure nothing gets scratched or dented. Then it hit me...WHAT IN THE HELL AM I DOING?!
I've got about 1000 lbs hanging over my car, supported by less than $250 worth of equipment made by slave labor at gunpoint in China. I started having a panic attack imagining what I would do if the whole thing dropped, and what it would cost. I was having visions of the story getting back to the factory, and the inmates raffing and smoking as they took turns retelling the story to cheer each other up. I couldn't take the stress so I pulled the engine trans back up and out.
BTW, the engine and bellhousing fit in there just fine, and I put the trans in from the bottom. I am so ashamed...
