[Oldsguy]

You can buy an engine hoist (cherry picker) which has a manually operated hydraulic cylinder to lift the engine out of the car, they aren't cheap and are quite heavy but the only way to do it safely imho. You can also buy an engine stand to work on it, the engine bolts to the stand where the tranny/bell housing usually would by adjustable arms. Again, the only way to go. If you get yourself a work bench get/build one that is very sturdy and preferably with a steel top to it, they last longer and are more durable. I built one out of 4X4's (legs and top frame) and 1X12 boards (top) and wish now I would have plated the top with some sheet steel, my bench vise is also working loose because of the board top. Good luck!