I've done quite a few engines in these cars and it definitly has to be removed from the bottom. It actually isn't as bad as it sounds because it all comes out together with the cradle. If you plan ahead you can have it all out in a couple of hours(OK add an extra hour or two if you've never done one before). I've tried to pull one from the top(it was a 5spd which has a little more room), but by the time you unhook everything and try to wiggle the engine out the top, you could've had the whole assembly out from the bottom. I think the Haynes manual even tells you how to remove it from the bottom. Of course for me it is no big deal because I used to do a lot of Fiero engines and they came out the bottom also.
All you need is a floor jack, jack stands and an engine hoist. all of which you should have anyway for an engine swap.
Just be glad it's a Zetec and not a Duratec!
