I need to take off my valve covers to get better access to my exh. manifolds. Can I just pop em off with those 4 bolts? Any precautions I shoudl take? THanks.

 

Yes, you have to take the four bolts out and they will come off as long as the alt. is out of the way.

 

as for percausions, just try not to get dirt in there, and inspect the gaskets before putting them back on. They are reusable, but if they are torn, replace them, they're like $10 at autozone. And make sure to torque them down evenly to avoid leaks.