can't offer that much advice. Changed the box in my wagon several times and each time took about as long as your transplant did.
I guess being strong enough i was able to simply hold the box up with my arms and twist and push the box onto the engine. Then once I got it fitted in, bolt on the rear crossmember, slide out from under the car, grab a beer and a rest for about 30mins (thats where most of the time went).