When working on your Mini motor the easiest way is to mount it on an Engine Stand. This allows you to access the engine from all sides and you can relatively easily move the engine around in your shop. You can even rotate the engine over to get to the bottom end.
If you are handy with a welder you can make your own using the plans linked here. (right-click (win) ctrl-click (mac) and then "Save as...") Check these plans carefully to make sure that the dimensions work with your engine stand.
However, you can also adapt one on your own for less money. (I don't have a welder and the machine shop wanted $130 to make one from the plans linked above.) The stand I bought (from Harbor Freight Tools for $50.) had an included universal adapter. I took it to the muffler shop and had them trim off some of the mounting plate (they'll do just about anything for $10!) and then drilled some holes to match the alternator mounting bracket and it works great:
By David Dentry