2003 Corolla S Engine Removal

[Decap85]

2003 Toyota Corolla S 1.8L 1zz-fe (Automatic)

About a week ago my girlfriends motor went bye bye on us. I have browsed around, and have almost fully decided to put a rebuilt motor into her car. I keep reading that you have to remove the engine from underneath, but it looks like I have clearance from above if I remove the intake and exhaust (among other things). I have no frame contact lift, nor do I have access to one, so if I do it, it has to come out the top. Has anyone heard of anybody pulling the engine out from the top? I am new to imports and the only engine removal/install that I have ever done was on a 1992 Camaro, so this is ... different. Any info, links, or tips will be greatly appreciated as all I have now is a Chilton manual.

PS: If it cannot be removed from the top, does anyone know of a way to get the car high enough, without a frame conact lift, to get the engine out?

Thanks for any and all help,

-Mike