Keep the manifolds together if they are sealing well to the head as they are. It wouldn't hurt to have a shop run them across a grinder to true them up if you are having sealing issues.
Pull side cover off to help get push rods out and back in when the time comes,
water pump
back off all rocker arm adjustments
pull push rods out
Might even pull rocker shaft off head,
drain the block using side plug, just to be sure its empty
have some help or a hoist to get head off
The head may stick, so long pry bar in one port and head bolt loosely in one hole for safety reasons, them pop head up with bar.
With push rods out, it's a good time to check lifters and camshaft. Pull one at a time and check the bottoms and clean each one.
Joe
