Now that i have my engine nicely painted and ready to go back in, which way do you think is better to prevent scratching the engine and freshly paint engine bay.

- Putting the engine in separate from the trans?
- Putting both in together and having a few extra helping hands to guide it in place?

 

I would put them in together. It's much easier as you can do the majority of the work outside the car. Also you may want to splurge on one of those "engine levelers". They are cheap, and worth every cent. It allows you to go as slow as you need to and change angles in mid-flight. I bought one the last time I put my motor in and can't belive I didn't do it years ago.

 

Like he said. Also make sure the car is far enough off the ground so the tranny doesnt hit the floor when pulling it through. And a hoist that will lift the engine high enough.[&:]

Also a few helping hands anyway you go, that way the paint doesnt get hurt.

 

a lot of helping hands is the option. make sure to properly block the output shaft of the tranny (spill)