Quoting gvr4ever:
I've done the timing belt a few times, just never taken the head off.
you've done the hard part then. i leave both intake and exhaust manifolds on the head when i pull it off. that way, if you have to change the gaskets, you can do it easily on the bench. also, if you don't need to surface the head, then you won't need to change these gaskets either.
here's my disconnect/removal checklist:
- drain coolant
- unclip wiring harness, lay it out of the way
- remove plug wires
- remove valve cover
- upper IC pipe comes off throttle body
- unbolt 4 exhaust manifold to turbo bolts
- remove alt belt and unbolt timing cover
- line timing marks up, remove timing belt
- disconnect upper radiator hose, heater core hose, and the one throttle body hose for the FIAV
- turbo feed line (if you feed from the head)
- unbolt and disconnect throttle cable
- vac lines (BOV, brake booster, FPR, whatever else on intake manifold)
- loosen the 10 bolts from the head to the block (i loosen them all 1/2 turn first, going OUTSIDE to INSIDE, then remove in same pattern)
every car varies. as i'm writing this, i'm using my (because-race-car-hoopty) 1g as my example. i don't have PS, AC, emissions crap, etc. so it's a lot easier and less work for me to pull the head off of my car. some cars depending on how unmolested they are, still have the bracket from the stock intake manifold to the block. if you have a friend, or engine hoist, head removal is easy and effortless, even with both manifolds still attached. its not so bad, just make sure your surfaces are clean and flat. good luck!