I'm removing the head from the engine to replace the head gasket. Do I need to remove the exhaust manifold from the head or can to disconnect the manifold from exhaust pipe. Which connection is easiest to break apart?

well the exhaust manifold to downpipe has less bolts than the manifold to head, so it's up to you. but they're both going to be tough, all that expanding and contracting wreak havoc on bolts, one tip to try is to use PBblaster, it works well. and for installing use copper gasket maker from permatex on the head, intake and exhaust manifold gaskets to ensure a great seal, oh and retorque the exhaust manifold bolts to required specs after you run it for a few hours ( doesn't have to be consecutively )

hope this helps

-Joe

Thanks. I just don't see how to get at either conection from the top and from the botton there is a pan in the way.