Chevrolet Repair: Camero 95 LT1 5.7L automatic- Engine replacement, engine crane, head gasket

Question
Engine got over heated and runs rough and sounds like pop corn. Before this over heating right side head gasket was blown and white smoke coming out when starting the engine cold. There is no way checking the compression because getting to spark plugs is next to impossible. So I am thinking of replacing the engine with a rebuilt one. I have the following questions..
1. How can I check if engine is really gone bad or I should just replace the head gasket and everything would be fine.
2. What is the easiest way to pull the engine out. One guy told me that he took the engine out along with trany from underneath. Others have told me that engine can only be taken out from the top. I know a lot about cars and have all the tools- engine crane and jacks and tools. But I am afraid to tackle a huge job like this. I like to know what is your opinion on it.
Thanks,
Rick

Answer
Hi Rick,

I am on vacation but have decided to browse the question trash can.  I found your question there.  I can answer a lot of these questions for you.  I have a 94 Z-28.  I am not the orginal person you asked.  

First of all, go to CARMAROZ28.COM  That is a great website for us fourth gen owners.  

Second of all, raise the car on pass. side and support it.  Pull the motor mount bolt on pass side.  Put a 2x6 piece of wood between your oil pan and your jack.  The motor will rock over to the driver side and give you full access to your pass. side plugs.  Now take a compression reading.  Remember you are not going to start the car so this position should be OK for compression test.  

Third of all, the distributor on these cars are terrible.  That is the cause of many problems.  I am not saying that is the problem, but should definately be looked at.  

To pull this motor, you can go either up or down.  I worked at a dealer and we just pulled the whole sub-frame off.  Then dropped the motor and trans down from underneith.  This is impossible without a hoist.  If you remove the radiator and 'donkey-dong' air intake, you have much room for pulling the motor forward.  May be easier if you pull the trans first.  Pulling the trans is not a difficult task once the tie-bar i-beam is removed.  If it were me, I would pull it myself, out the top.  

Good luck.  If you have any questions, visit that website I meantioned.  You can also email me at wane_patrik@yahoo.com.

C J S