I know I'm not answering your question about time and I'm sure I'm not saying anything you haven't already thought of (or done already), but best case scenario in my opinion is that you don't worry about time. Remove enough sheet metal to allow removal of the engine and transmission as one unit through the front. You know, disconnect everything, lift the engine and trans off the mounts and slip it straight out nice and safely. If you can, before you do this also remove the manifolds, starter, water pump, fan blade, distributor, even the head if you have enough mojo to lift it...take off everything you can to reduce weight. Removing a 235 by leaving the sheet metal in place...that is to say just going up and out with it can be difficult and because of the weight of the engine and the height involved can strain your equipment. Besides that, having this much weight up that high changes things. I don't know how, but it seems to in my experience. God or Allah or Buddha or L. Ron Hubbard can only watch over you up to a point. If you try to do this after all I've said without at least removing the radiator, it will be in harm's way. Also whether you are renting a hoist or using one of the Chinese ones, please go to a hardware store and purchase a length of brand new chain capable of holding your engine without coming apart. You're taking a chance with that hydraulic cylinder, but it will seldom fail and drop your engine. I have heard about that happening, but not often. It has never happened to me and I've used some pretty dodgy hoists. The $14 or $15 you spend on a chain is money well spent. Nobody wants the engine to come down unexpectedly and the sound of a chain link breaking that is holding anywhere from 600 to 700+ pounds off the ground is one of those sounds you'll never forget. Good luck and please keep safe.
Jon
