If your hood is on perfectly, I would not remove it. However, I've done several through the shock towers and it does not hurt the car. Remember this. The car is made to withstand a lot of force from the shocks and upper control arms at that location so it is a pretty strong part of the car. Besides with the engine out, the front end of the car is very light. I would not attempt to lift it from the shock towers with a motor in place. With hood in place you will need to build a tool to lift it from the bumper mounts. I would take the steering column out. It is too easy to put in after the motor is in.