1) being only familiar with carbed engines until i bought my '91, i was a bit irritated with this one as well. i think factory procedure says to disconnect it from the starter and a few other things in order to get it out of the way. i just left the lower manifold hanging when i did my timing chain/head gasket job. kind of a screwy idea if you ask me.

2) did the head bolts unscrew(with your crow bar) or did you flat pull them out? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> the bolts between the 2 sets of exhaust ports are typically baked into there and are always harder to remove than the rest. don't worry, it's normal. i like to use a good moly antisieze(ARP lube is nice stuff) when i put my new head bolts in to ensure good clamping force, as well as making them easier to remove if the need be.