Engine Removal

Take the distributor out! (Or at least the cap) With all the shenanigans it gets into the firewall very easily. The early A has a short engine compartment and seems to shrink even more when pulling an engine.

If it was me, I would take the trans out from the bottom. It's the little 3 speed a903 and weighs practically nothing. It even has an aluminum tail housing. My son and I threw mine in place like putting a hat box onto a closet shelf. The little aluminum BH is also very light.

Now, a cast iron 833 is another story! Those things are heavy. Unless you get an engine tilter, I'd still put the trans in from the bottom. The small clutch 273 BH is also cast iron. Your choice as to whether you assemble the clutch/BH while its dangling from the engine hoist or from underneath.

Just for fun, you should set your wife in a lawn chair nearby with a glass of wine and let her watch. Could be the best entertainment she's had in awhile.