[dtw]

For dropping the engine, you don't really need to spend any time under the car. Yeah, you'll reach an arm in there, but I usually position myself so I can roll away quickly if I hear or feel anything wrong. I use jackstands, chock the front wheels, and keep the jack in place at another location as a safety. You'll reach under the car to drop the clutch cable, transmission ground strap, throttle linkage, transmission mounting bolts, heater hoses, etc.

Once you get the car up on stands, you can give it a few pushes and prods to ensure it is secure. The only times I have had 'em come off the stands is when they were really light - no drivetrain, gas tank, panels, etc...they actually are harder to handle when they have less weight on them (IMHO). Just exercise caution and common sense and you'll be fine.