Be very careful about the amount of angle you let the bellhousing tip if you decide to try loosening the bolts. There is the possibility that you could crack the ears.

I’ve never tried this, but it seems to me that the transmission would have to stay backed out of the bellhousing a fair amount (probably 4-6”) as it will have to be back far enough to clear the splines of the clutch disk until the bellhousing is tightened back up and square with the back of the block.

It really sounds to me like you need to raise the front of the engine (lowering the back) to get the tranny bolted on.

By the way how do you like the A833 (I assume it’s the Chevy overdrive version). I’m running Chrysler version in my Plymouth and have really enjoyed it). I was going to dig one up for my 68 El Camino to replace the Muncie but ended up selling the 68 a few weeks back