We did it when we were rebuilding the engine so it was out and convenient. If it wasn't a PitA, I would have had the kid pull it out and just taken it to the fastener store and have them match it up.
I dont remember what we did with the 5th gear switch wires. It's never affected the car.
The engine has two mounts - one on either side - so I suspect by disconnecting the mid pipe and the tranny bracket (we had a custom one made since this is a Tii in a vert) the tranny will angle down enough so we can get at it.