Engine removal - degree of diffculty? - 97 Montana

Has anyone had the pleasure of removing the engine from a 97 Montana? My motor gave up on me, and it's clanking pretty bad to the point that my mechanic is saying replace it with a new one. Needless to say, the price he quoted me was enough to almost give me a heart attack. I've seen these 3400 motors with very low miles sell for about $500-800 or so, so I'm now contemplating removing the motor myself. Any advice against doing the job myself? I'm somewhat of a handy mechanic and have removed and installed motors on my GTOs, but a front wheel drive, never. I would take my time, a month if I had to. Please help. Thanks..

I've never tryed pulling a montana motor from the top, always from bottom. Guess it's possible, but you'd have to have a bit of redneck in you to do it in your driveway.

I got mine out after taking everything off down to the block. Pulls right out. Don't think it will go thru the top without doing that.

Easiest and most straight foreward way is to drop it out the bottom.

Montana is for sale - $2,500 as is!

I couldn't get 1000.00 for it so I'm fixing it myself. Also don't want that monthly payment.

if you buy a used engine, do yourself a big favor and replace the head gaskets (while the motor is out) with a reputable aftermarket gasket. call it an insurance policy...it will be much cheaper/easier to do it now yourself

Also, you might as well replace any of the wear components associated with the parts you are taking off to remove the motor. Just a thought