Small progress again!
The passenger side header came out relatively easily (about an hour).
As many have mentioned, the heat shields are more of a PIA than the rest of the job.
I had originally thought the car still had its EGR system in tact and had ordered an EGR equipped header set up from Marc. After removing the heat shields I was surprised to see that the EGR tubes on the headers were capped off!
Called Marc and asked if there was a way to switch out the headers (less pipes/tubes to complicate install) for a non-EGR Set. He said I could assuming I didnt mind waiting for his next batch in August.
Fast forward to yesterday when FedEx dropped off the headers. NO EGR TUBES!!!
I was originally against running cats because of the weight penalty and space needed but these little guys weigh close to nothing and take up little space!
The headers themselves are also very light and compact vs the OEM pieces. passenger side slid right into place and there seems to be tons of space for bolt access.
Marc commented that using Grade 8 Locking Header Bolts is a PIA and not necessary but given how much space I see is available to get them in there, the peace of mind they offer will be welcome. God knows I dont want to have to dig around in here after the car is re-assembled.
Debating if I should drop the tranny for clutch inspection now or if I should start buttoning up the front end first before I start unbolting more and more of the car.