I searched and did not see an answer for my question(s).

I'm doing an engine swap...just replacing a bad 3.5L. I'm not doing any upgrades or mods.

My question is can I separate the engine from trans while they are still in the engine compartment? Or would I be better off pulling them together? And is it easier/better to lower them or raise them out of the engine compartment?

Its a 2007 LZE 3.5L (I'm not sure LZE, thought the badge on car said LT. LZE comes form a vin search...)

 

I found my answers just by doing what I hoped I could do.

You can separate and pull the engine while leaving the trans in the car.

I was able to raise the engine out of the engine bay.