Sal,
The reason the bottom of the bell housing is chopped off is so it doesn't hang below the frame rails.
I install the engines without removing anything from the car. Removing the hood helps, but it's not necessary. The puke tank can stay in, just be careful. There is no way I would ever leave the transmission in place. It would probably take 15 minutes to remove the transmission, and I don't think you'll save 15 minutes by leaving it in. I think it would be tough getting the bellhousing over the 3" crossmember, but at the same time getting the input shaft perfectly into the clutch disk. I can usually get an engine and tranny in the car in under an hour if I can get the right guys helping me and this is with the engine and trans installed separately.
The engine in your car needs to be leveled side to side to make sure it's not in the car cocked.
I also found that it is easiest to install the rubber motor mounts on the chassis with the nuts on the studs a couple turns, then install the two mount to block bolts.
Anymore questions, ask away. I know who I'm going to ask when I need to find a Lightning motor!
