Removing Engine -- Seeking Advice

[focodave]

I am in need of removing my engine for a complete rebuild and/or replacement.
She locked up tighter than a drum today.
What I originally thought was valve noise turned out to be either severe piston pin damage or piston slap.
It was making a knocking noise at around 2500 rpm.
It was quiet at idle and with no load on it, so I figured it was not a rod bearing.
She held good oil pressure and only made the noise under heavy load and at around 2500 rpm consistently.
I was at a red light and when it turned green, my pride and joy just stuttered and stopped dead in her tracks.
Right now I am trying to keep my emotions in check and look at the bright side.
I will rebuild or replace the engine with a new short block and I won't have to worry about too many unknown demons inside my engine in the future. She'll run like new, have more power, etc.
I am curious if it is easier to remove just the engine by itself -- or to remove the engine and transmission together.
I have searched the forum, but I cannot find the answer.
I'd like to avoid having to remove the tranny.
This is a 1980, Fuel Injected 2000.
Any advice would be most appreciated.
Dave

[So Cal Mark]

I never remove them together

[focodave]

Mark,
Many thanks for the speedy reply.
Does the starter have to be removed or can I get the engine out with the starter motor still bolted up?
Dave

[BEEK]

its really easy to remove a engine from a spider. The hardest part is the upper trans bolts. i use a semi deep swivel socket on a 2 foot extension. 4 19mm bolts, 3 starter bolts, 2 motor mount nuts, if the tin is still on you need to remove the 2 10mm bolts and the 3 13mm bolts and the ground strap. i recommend when putting the ground strap back you attach it top the lower starter bolt. the clutch cable and all should be done from underneath. the head pipe bolts may be easier from underneath as well.

[So Cal Mark]

the starter will need to be unbolted in order to remove the engine. Since you're tearing the engine down, remove the cylinder head with both manifolds installed, then you have easy access to the starter and mounts

[focodave]

Mark, BEEK,
Again, many thanks for the great advice.
I am definitely capable of performing the job, but it really helps to get great advice from guys who have done the job themselves.
I just got my car looking the way I like and it blew up.
I'm pretty bummed out right now.
Ugh.
I was all set to enjoy some quality time on the road this year with my wife and my car.
I wasn't planning on pulling the engine anytime soon, but I know I'll be all the happier once I complete this daunting task.
So, it sounds like it won't be too bad, once I commit to diving in and getting it done.
I like the idea of pulling the head with the manifolds intact to get to the starter bolt(s).
Any other helpful "secrets" from experienced Fiat engine-pullers are most appreciated.
You guys are great!
Dave

[So Cal Mark]

pulling the head complete is a pretty quick operation; disconnect the timing belt, disconnect hoses and wires, disconnect the exhaust pipe and remove the head bolts. Have one person on each side of the car and lift the head off. Put a couple of layers of cardboard on the fender so you can set the head there when you lift it off. Removing the short block then is quite easy