Yes, Roscoe used an engine hoist to support the engine. With the 0-320 engine on my AA-1B, I need to do this if I need to remove a mag, clearance to the firewall is too tight. I support the engine with a host, then pull the bolts on one side. (As Roscoe pointed out, don’t forget the tail stand!). You can then swing the engine out to get better access behind to do things like pull a mag in my case.
Roscoe can confirm, but I don’t recall the mag clearance issue with the 0-235, but it might make the operation easier.