I've always taken my motor out from the top. Done it a few times and the last time i took it out it took me a little over 3 hours. After you take it out the first time every time after that it get easier. Ill be putting my motor back in within a week

 

good luck buddy.... yeah i got my motor out the top no prob ....off to the machine shop i go

 

Just took mine out the bottom last week with the trans still installed. It wasn't that bad at all. I only used 1 jack and 2 jack stands. I dropped the trans side onto a skateboard while I lowered the engine side with the jack.

 

I just pulled mine out the top with trans connected. It went really well having two buddies help guide it out. You must have a leveler on the hoist.