Head swap question...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 78
From: Forney Texas
I have a nice set of different length wrenches. I have no trouble removing the alternator bracket and have tons of practice. No need to remove the water pump unless you want to drain the block that way so you don't get water in your cylinders. I take the water pump off and put a shop vac on the block to suck out the coolant. It makes it much cleaner when you remove the heads. It's only 6-10mm bolts to yank off the water pump and the gaskets are reusable. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
I would say, yes. It's really difficult to get to one of the bracket bolts, because of pulley interference, so it's much easier to remove the WP first, and the whole PS res, etc, should be able to cable tie up forward.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Ratcheting box end or gear wrenches are your friend for this task. You won't be able to completely remove some of the bolts, as the PS reservoir and pulley will keep them captive in the bracket. But your goal is to merely unscrew them from the head and set the assembly aside.
Not a fun task reinstalling the assembly either, getting it lined up to get that first bolt started can be a real PITA by yourself. But I've done it twice, so it definitely can be done.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 4
From: Ringgold GA
I didn't remove the waterpump when I did my head swap, didn't even think about it actually. The hardest thing for me was getting the power steering hoses broke loose from the rack. Come to think of it I can't really remember why or if those hoses even needed to be unhooked.
