I'm officially well on my way to getting the seized engine out of the car.
Looks like it was a rod bearing (#2 cylinder) that was making my knocking sound. I didn't want to believe it was a rod, but it was.
I have removed the head per Mark's instructions, so that I could see the starter bolts and how to get to them.
Wow!
I feel that any of us who have removed a Spider starter should automatically be inducted into some sort of special elite club. That was rough, to say the least. I can't imagine what new cuss words I am going to invent trying to put that thing back in!
I have all of the tranny bolts out, as well. Again, I can't imagine the words I will invent trying to get THOSE back in!
I have a question about the motor mounts: I have removed the top nuts and washers from the mounts.
Can I leave the motor mount studs in place and lift the engine off of them?
A few photos are following. I will add photos as I progress through this daunting task:


