Ok, noted. I've always had success with the lump on floor method, admittedly sometimes with the aid of a useful lump of wood or similar strategically positioned to make the engine sit flatter. I usually crane the engine, release it from it's mounts, lower it to the floor and then slide it out from underneath. My SC10 was used very very heavily in my 205git days!
The only times I've tried seperating box in car, I've hated it. Personal tastes, I guess.
Note to OP: If it isn't already obvious, if removing the box with the engine still in the car, the person supporting the box is doing it FROM THE TOP (unless they're a power lifter with no fear of dying from crushed ribs, face etc). It can be a proper pain in the back if it takes too long to get everything clear. The 'input shaft' mentioned above is a few inches of grooved steel that lives inside the bellhousing on the end of the gearbox proper, you won't be able to see it until you've got the two properly clear of each other. It slides into the side of the engine and allows the crank to pass power to the gearbox. Letting the gearbox hang off the side of the engine with the input shaft still partially engaged is a really bad idea!!! It's not meant to take loads in that direction! It's one of those things you *may* get away with or may ruin the box with.
While a bit OT, driving home I remembered that Pug driveshafts have bolts with funny plastic oval heads that engage over flats on the inboard driveshaft, and once they're clear the shafts (officially) just ease out, although sometimes need persuasion. So I was wrong about them too. Definitely clout the XR2 shafts out though!
The only times I've tried seperating box in car, I've hated it. Personal tastes, I guess.
Note to OP: If it isn't already obvious, if removing the box with the engine still in the car, the person supporting the box is doing it FROM THE TOP (unless they're a power lifter with no fear of dying from crushed ribs, face etc). It can be a proper pain in the back if it takes too long to get everything clear. The 'input shaft' mentioned above is a few inches of grooved steel that lives inside the bellhousing on the end of the gearbox proper, you won't be able to see it until you've got the two properly clear of each other. It slides into the side of the engine and allows the crank to pass power to the gearbox. Letting the gearbox hang off the side of the engine with the input shaft still partially engaged is a really bad idea!!! It's not meant to take loads in that direction! It's one of those things you *may* get away with or may ruin the box with.
While a bit OT, driving home I remembered that Pug driveshafts have bolts with funny plastic oval heads that engage over flats on the inboard driveshaft, and once they're clear the shafts (officially) just ease out, although sometimes need persuasion. So I was wrong about them too. Definitely clout the XR2 shafts out though!