Just found this thread as was looking for info on how to get the engine out on my ph1 172, then I realised there are a couple of you just around the corner - I'm in Newton Aycliffe. My engine died in the snow and has no compression at all, think crank pully has slipped and bent valves as belt wasn't snapped. Anyway, I'm going to swap the engine, your method seems the best way, pull the engine and box out from top as I have an engine hoist.
Have you still got the Clio? and what do you think of the Focus RS - that is one of the cars I was thinking of changing the clio for until the engine went - still might but it won't be until may now.
Really nice build, nice work.
Cheers
Nick