So.....what type of hoist would i need to take an engine out?

unless you have lots of extra money i would probabely rent one--i cant remember what the names of the ones i used were but they were beefy --air operated ones--
and a spreder bar/leveler is a good idea--to pick up everything nice and straight
the auto parts ones would work for pulling rad and head but thats about it
i cant remember engine weight--complete --3500 seems to sound familiar--but not sure

 

A buddy of mine did an engine swap,he got the engine all ready to get pulled out and a place to set it down. Then he called a towing company that had a two cable extendable boom wrecker to come in and lift the engine and trans out and set it down. The whole deal took about an hour and cost 50 bucks cash. When he got ready to put it back in he called them back and slipped it back in.

 

i would also recommend the tow truck, its probably the cheapest route, anywhere between $35-100 for taking it out and putting it in. as long as there isnt any real delays in pulling it or installing it.