I had a very similar manifold at the time and I only had to pull the compressor cover to make sure there is room. Most you may need to pull is the turbo just to make sure it won't contact the cross member.

 

I'll try that . May have to remove the turbo . It's the Borg Warner s300 . They are on the big side

 

Also does anyone know if I can drop the sub frame with the front tires on Ramps or do the front tires need to be free in the air?

 

I don't think that you'll have enough clearance to remove the tranny with ramps. You still need room for a jack to put the tranny on. Quit thinking of doing shortcuts and do it the right way, lol.

 

I took mine out just by just lifting the car up with a hoist and sliding it from under the car. Makes it easier if you have skates or a creeper.
I didn't have a head on my motor though so it was easier. Didn't have to drop the subframe.
It's a pretty simple job. But I didn't put it back together so that's prob why it was easy lol

 

It's possible with jack stands but it wouldn't be fun though. My buddy and his uncle done it and it took them a while lol

 

i changed transmissions/clutches many many times with the car on jack stands. its not fun but its very doable if you have done a clutch job before.