Just my opinion and that’s all but I would suggest removing the intake and going in topless with chains and a good adjustable plate and lots of blankets and helping hands.

 

I agree with taking the cross ram off! I've done it numerous times and think I tried with the intake on and had to remove it to get the engine down in the car.
The intake will be very close to the firewall when installed. Just my 2 cents.
ruffcut
Mine is in storage otherwise I would share a picture.

 

Another thought that I will put out here and assuming your going in an early b body is the firewall will be very tight so lots of eyes on everything and as said b4 lots of experienced hands to help.

 

yup, what they said. Drop the intake on after the engine is in.

 

Early B body has more space than the later models.

 

I would NOT risk damage to the crossram. Pull it off.

 

I used a sling.

 

I always remove the crossram intake when pulling the engine

 

Or bring it in from the bottom if you have a lift.