Brent:
All good advice. When I installed the engine and transmission into KMP 142, I did so with the car on four jackstands. Wish I had had a hoist, but didn't. Hardest part, as I recall, was me hoisting the transmission into the cockpit to an ex-marine buddy of mine who tossed around that iron toploader like it was a box of feathers.
I strongly recommend that you lower the engine/bellhousing assembly onto the mounts first, LOOSELY bolting them up. then joining the transmission to that assembly thru the open cockpit I know this sound obvious, but the trans tunnel and engine compartment side panels MUST be removed to do this, and it is very helpful if the floor panels are also removed. A few other tips:
1. Make sure that you have prefitted the trans to the engine/bell assembly to ensure you will have no problems once you are in the middle of the install. Also double check to see if you have proper input shaft/crank concentricity particularly if you are using a Lakewood. Also make sure your lower flange profile is correctly cut to provide proper clearance on the frame.
2. Again, do not tighten up your front mounts, and leave a bit of looseness in the trans mount to allow some wiggle room during the install until you are satisfied that all is properly aligned.
3. When all is bolted up, you MAY find that the rear trans mounting plate bolt holes will not align closely enough to properly install those two bolts. I believe that Kirkham's solved this by elongating thse two holes, giving the installer more front to rear leeway. On my older car, the holes were round, necessitating manually filing them to fit.
4. When the engine is installed, make sure the alternator is removed. Other accessories such as starter, expansion tank and fuel pump should remain on, as they will not cause interference, and it is easier to leave them on that re-install them after the engine is in.
5. Pad everything, but not to the extent that it restricts your access to the engine compartment. Turks advice is right on...make sure your helpers understand that this is an aluminum body and it will give under elbows, knees, etc.
6. Make a list of those fasteners that will require final tightening
Just remember to take your time, and don't force anything.
Good Luck, Brent