I just finished mine and I left the manifolds on. Its very tricky, but put new exhaust studs in after I had the head tested for leaks on valves and vacum on guides. I was able to put the new studs in after I mounted the head by putting wood wedges between the exhaust manifold and the head and getting a small vise grip on the unthreaded part of stud and tightening down. I double nutted to get them in as far as possible at first.Dont forget to put the new gaskets in first and safety wire up timing chain so it doesn't fall off cranksprocket if that could happen. I ordered the cd from the MB web site, money very well spent. After all said and done I repaired head, new rotor, distributor,plugs, waterpump, and covers.