Engine Drop question, Been done to death I know.. just want to confirm Options

[stateofidleness]

Guys, first time I dropped an engine I had the help of a friend. This go round, I'm flying solo and wanted to see if this method would work just as well.

Instead of the "removing the wheels in the rear" route, I'd like to try:

1. Car on the ground like normal, all connections disconnected and "ready for dropping" except for the engine bar bolts and transmission mounts.

2. Transmission/ATV jack (harbor freight kind) raised up to the engine height and the engine/transmission then disconnected.

3. Lower engine/transmission combo as far down as transmission jack will allow it (about 4" off ground).

4. With engine still on jack and under the car, jack up the rear and place on ramps.

5. Drag engine/transmission out on the transmission jack.

Will this method work? Do you think there will be any clearance issues?

[rstover]

I remove my 1st 914 engine this past August and debated which way to go. I ended up using a floor dolly and removing the rear wheels and rear valance. I used two floor jacks and lowered the car till the engine rested of the dolly. I used the procedure that was in the Pelican Parts how to. In retrospect I am glad I chose this because I found that balancing the engine and transmission as a solo could be difficult if one did not have a lot of experience. I was able to go slow and be careful and did not have any problems. The fuel rails want to hang up so you do have to be careful. I am very much a novice so the only advice I can provide is to go slow and be careful because the engine and transmission together was harder to manage than I thought. I did build my own dolly though. I used 2 2x4's and 3/4 inch plywood and I had 4 dollies. This was a little longer than the standard furniture dolly.