You are forgiven! What I think is first, I'll take the nose section off next time to make a little more room. We removed the hood and did use a leveler. I know John had the nose on, but by the time we cleared the rather long input shaft, the fan and crank pulley were making some minor contact with the upper nose and area beneath the radiator respectively. No damage, just wouldn't want to do it that way on a nice bay and new engine. Then again, we never achieved much of an angle. Next time I almost definitely will include the transmission in the removal process. Seems easier. I bet a shop might do it that way for convenience.

Thanks all for the advice :)

I've done it both ways (trans on/trans off) and found it easier to do together as a unit.

Never took off all the front sheet metal though, just the hood. If you have a load leveler and an engine hoist, easy enough to get it out without endangeroing any fenders.
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'63 PV544 rat rod, '93 Classic #1141 245 (now w/16V turbo)

I install / remove while the gearbox is still attached to the engine. It can be done with them apart, but it seems more difficult.

My procedure on the 544 is to remove all the front sheet metal. I find it easier to do that than to force the engine / gearbox out at that "insane angle". Both fenders and the nose are pretty easy to remove. I'd guess less than 20 bolts. Although it can be done alone, it is easier with a helper to avoid scratching things. Then sliding the assembly out or in is a piece of cake.