and I'd like to say thanks to the list for the advice I got on various threads (old and new) for the best way to get the motor out.
I chose to take everything out the bottom as one unit and generally speaking it wasn't too bad. I tried to take lots of pics in case someone else has questions or concerns. The only carnage I can see it the driver side wheel sensor got snagged on the A-arm and pulled the wired out the backside of the connector. That seems like a pretty easy fix, so I'll take my lumps for that one.
Biggest piece of advise I have to offer is to go slow, be safe, and make sure your picker can lift the car high enough, watch out for hood clearance with the roof of your garage, and have a good dolly (I built one out of 0.120 wall 2x3 with 4 heavy duty casters, with the help of a friend, thanks Kev).
I'll try and take more pics and keep everyone posted as I pull the pan and hunt down my 4 missing needle bearings from a wayward rocker arm.
Anyother things to consider changing, upgrading while the motor and tranny are out?? I am already doing a blowproof bell, clutch/pressure plate/flywheeel. Water pump?? Oil pump?? T-stat?? none of these has shown any signs of problems, but while its out it's gotta be easier. The car has 59K on it.
A few pics are attached....
Thanks
Chris