Anybody else....

[burn_your_money]

I took a motor out and left the transmission in there because the guy I was working for insisted that it was easier. Never again. I've also just pulled a transmission and I'd prefer to pull the whole engine if it wasn't for the stupid coolant.

Take them out as a set is my recommendation.

[vanagonturbo]

Take them out as a set is my recommendation.

and take it out throught the bottom. I have taken many engines out of MKIs using only a couple of blocks of wood and the factory jack. Taking it out the top is a nightmare. Taking it out the top by leaving the trans in is even worse than a nightmare. if you dont have the proper tools for the job, dont attempt it. go buy the CV tool if you plan on working on your car in the future, you will need it again.

[maxfax]

Since MK1s are so light I have already left the car down on the ground with the front wheels off and motor/trans supported on a dolly, or even some blocks...  Then use the engine hoist to lift the car off the engine/trans... Then slide it out...

[arb]

Mk1's dont have that luxury.... Rad supports welded on....

And Im trying to stray from removing the trans as I dont have a 12 point bit to remove the cv's.

Walk into a Sears and they will have many sizes. The 11mm triple square (12 point) for the head bolts they don't but if you order it online in the store, the clerk can enter a code on the screen so you don't pay shipping and you'll get it in a couple of days.

[gldgti]

When I pull an engine I hook it up to the engine hoist so that it comes out on a 45 degree angle, motor up. I've gone out the bottom before, but prefer out the top.

+1 for that.

 to pull the engine and tranny is heaps easier and shorter time wise in a mk1 than just to do the motor itself.

working on my own, with a engine hoist, i can take the engine/box out, replace clutch and put it all back together in a day.

but you obviously gotta remove CV's.

easiest way is to d/c the exhaust at the 90 under the rack, pull the radiator out and d'c all the wiring, cables and linkages. then it just comes right out (at 45 deg engine up) and make sure you take the bonnet off ;-)