Engine Install Problem!

I'm no expert but, wouldn't it be easier to mount the engine in place and work with the tranny to stab it? Also in your pics it looks like the bolts your using to hold everything are about a half inch out the back of the tabs. Are you sure they are not hitting anywhere? I sure hope you find the issue, I'm curious since I may do this swap some day. Nevermind on the bolts, I see now that they are screwed into the housing.....told you I was no expert:)