Ratcheting gear wrench is your friend when changing plugs.

 

Because of my headers most of the plugs are very difficult to get off from the top. I now do my plug changes from under the car! Top plug change = 1 hour min. Bottom plug change less than 15 minutes. Most of that is getting the car on ramps and blocking the wheels. Just a thought. I also have a mini starter that hangs low and that i am sure helps on the pass side. One tip from under the car is disconnect the neg. battery cable. I was pretty close to the starter lugs when changing mine.

 

plugs can be accessed from the bottom with headers on?

 

On mine yes, look at my tag line however!

 

dont be lazy, the alt is only 3 bolts

 

The connector should come off easy, just tug the boot a little harder. The #7 and 8 are easy from the bottom.