It's out.......again!
Came out faster than the first time. Around 6 hoirs, while taking it easy. I bet the shops that do this all the time can get them out in under 3 hours. Before I lowered the engine, measured the engine's height (~"26), added "2 for the ATV jack and another inch for the patio stone with the rubber pad. Had to stack 3 patio stoned to reach the engine and then put jack stands under the exhaust manifold and removed 2 of the patio stones. After this the engine cleared the frame with half inch to spare.
The car goes out of the garage tomorrow and will sit outside while I tear the engine down and decided what to do.