If you remove the head studs, yes, it is easier to slide the headers out as you don't need to move them very far from the head to do so... If the studs are in the way, you need everything about 1.5-1.75 inches away. Sometimes, you just don't have that much room... You will also need to loosen the motor mounts and jack up the engine... not remove it... and don't take the bolts all the way out... just give yourself room to jack the engine a few inches for access.
The heat shields cover the manifolds. If you are installing headers, they will not fit as they aren't shaped the same and they are riveted to the manifolds, IIRC. Smart move is to ceramic coat the headers so you don't need the rattle shields anyway.
Note to installer: Get a set of studs and nuts... not all will be reusable... trust those of us who have done it on this one... no matter how careful you are, not all will survive removal.
The heat shields cover the manifolds. If you are installing headers, they will not fit as they aren't shaped the same and they are riveted to the manifolds, IIRC. Smart move is to ceramic coat the headers so you don't need the rattle shields anyway.
Note to installer: Get a set of studs and nuts... not all will be reusable... trust those of us who have done it on this one... no matter how careful you are, not all will survive removal.