Removing the front clip and pulling the engine and tranny at the same time is the way to go, if it is an automatic. Mine tried to hang up on the tranny crossmeber, however I used my floor jack under the tranny tail shaft to help it over the crossmember. With a little patience and creativity, you can do it this way without much problem.
I did the same pulling the 283 from my 1966 Chevy C20. The clearance you have will save lots of frustration. Additionally, you can do it alone with an engine hoist with the front clip off. Also, with the front clip off, you can tidy things up a bit.
Front end with front clip removed Front end painted with POR15 with front clip removed
