Four 1/4" bolts in an aluminum manifold is probably not the best way to lift a 600 pound (maybe more) engine and transaxle. Along with that, using the plate alone is far forward of the level balance point. In the photo at the top of this posting you can see how much the engine must be tilted at first. Then you have to gradually level it once it is tucked in. The tilting and leveling is the most challenging part of installing the engine. I have done it at least three different ways and yesterday with a regular tie down along with a ratcheting tie down has been my least favorite and hence I am revisiting the leveler. I used the leveler not long ago to help Larry (Lardog) pull his engine/trans and there was not a clearance issue. But this time around I am going to thoroughly test the leveler before taking the deep dive of installing the engine. I spent a lot of time on the car's engine bay and I will not rush this engine install.
Doug suggested raising the front of the car as much as possible. Thank you Doug. I did not know about that trick. It will reduce the amount of tilting needed initially.
Lee, sorry for the long answer. You could use the plate as the front anchor along with another anchor somewhere back on the transaxle. That is exactly what we did with Lardog's engine and trans. This time I am using the two manifold bolts between #3 & #4 and #7 & #8.