I've rebuilt 2-261s and one-235 back before "cherry picker" hoists and "engine stands" where availible. They were built on the garage floor (never dropped one), rolled over, head was placed and torqued. Then the flywheel and cast iron bellhousing/etc. attached, and then chain hoisted into the car/truck. I have since been exposed to and used both the 20th century aides and found them pretty nice. All the later engines (small block chevys,a 230, and one 455 pontiac-with a 4x4 post under the crank snout) I then rebuilt had aluminum bellhousings or were automatic trans units (which had the automatics removed prior to hoisting). No fingers or toes were harmed (too much) during rebuilding of such motors.
And yourself?
