That sucks hearing about the finish not holding up Sam. Can't say I have any experience with M/T's on a Big Block Chevelle, but I do know where you're at since having two motors in and out twice in the past year. I've always lifted motors and wired them up to hold the headers out of the way until the block was high enough. Only success I've ever had with putting them in from the bottom was on the passenger side which I did again last month. I've pulled the drivers side up a couple times to pull one out although much harder on some cars with steering boxes.
I'll be fitting the MT tubes in the green Camaro very soon and do hope to keep the orange ceramic coating from getting beat up. I trust these will be hung by wires before the motor is lowered into place.
Cars is really looking super sweet Sam. So envious
