Do you guys remove by dropping the header down below the car or up thru the top? Also, do you replace the metal gasket or can it be reused?

I'm trying to remove the header to wrap it. Since I'll be working under just jack stands, I want to have a strategy to minimize the headache.

 

Removed mine from below... didn't see where trying to get it through the top would be possible (or practical). Pulled mine to wrap as well.

 

You can do it from either top or bottom. To remove it from the bottom, you need the car pretty high up. If you remove it from the top, you will need to unbolt a few things so you can move them aside when you pull the header up, such as the brackets for the AC lines, fusebox, etc...

 

Then also either remove the hood or make something so it's supported to make it stand upright - or even a bit backwards IF that's possible.

IIRC I took it out from below but put it in from the top - with the hood removed - and stuff realbag mentioned.
I was trying to see it it would work from the top and it did - be carefull with the pri O2 sensor.

If the gasket is ok = no (black soot) traces indicating a leak = re-use.
Allthough the manual states to replace gasket AND locking nuts.
Follow the sequence when tighting the nuts - inside out & crossed.

 

Take it out from the bottom. I have done it a few times. Just be patient and wiggle it out, it takes a few tries.

 

FYI the hood prop can be removed and repostioned to the passenger side to hold the hood completely upright.