What is the best way to remove the factory exhaust manifolds?

 

patience and alot of PB blaster

 

PB Blaster...

doesnt hurt to have a decent breaker bar either...i sheared more bolts that i removed on the y-pipe

 

Is it easier to remove the manifolds out the bottom or the top of the car? do you need to remove the alternator and other parts to make more clearance for the passenger side?

 

you need to remove the alternator. I was able to remove my passenger side manifold WITHOUT removing the alternator mount or whatever that large piece is... It was nearly impossible to get the frontmost manifold bolt out with that still in place but somehow i managed. Im not sure if it would be easier to remove that assembly or not.

Use a lot of PB blaster. drench them in it the day before. drench them again a couple more times before you start. be prepared to break off the bolts attaching the y-pipe. I think i had a harder time getting the y-pipe out than i did either of the manifolds.