Removing the engine tips needed..

If you pull the transmission off then there's less to bash against the firewall when removing/installing. Having said that.. each time I pull my engine I pull the transmission out with it. I just use zip tie wizardry to hold my headers out of the way, then get one or two people to help wiggle it out without scratching my paint. If I was removing it by myself I'd take the transmission off and lift the engine out.