I am getting my engine prepped to get removed next weekend and so far I have:
-Removed radiator
-Detached ecu
-Removed starter assist bottle and hose
-Drained coolant and oil
-Detached many vacuum hoses

I started reading the Haynes manual at this point and the first step in engine removal is to relieve fuel system pressure which I didn't do and I don't think I can do at this point in time as the engine needs to be able to start. Would it be ok to remove the fuel hoses and should I expect some spillage? Also, I tried removing the front oil cooler line from where it meets the oil cooler but couldn't get the damn nut off. Am I supposed to remove the front oil cooler line where it meets the block or the oil cooler?

 

If your fuel system is in good shape, yes, you should expect not spillage, but shootage. Wrap a big rag around the junction when you pull it apart. Trust me you don't want gasoline in your eyes.

Most people pull the oil cooler lines at the engine. It's more solid.

Best of luck with it.

I always find the biggest PIA with engine removal to be getting the ECU plugs through the firewall. Of course you can dissassemble the engine and remove the harness that way but it's six of one and half a dozen of the other for me.

 

I found getting the ECU plugs through the firewall a POC!It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be. I'm going to be putting up a journal or my rebuild up soon with pics. I can't wait to get my 7 back on the road!

 

Just wrap a cloth around the hose when you pull it off. It will spill, but the cloth will absorb most of it.

As for the oil cooler bolts, they are often very tight. If you are just dropping the engine, then you can remove the cooler lines at the engine instead of the cooler. The front fitting can be a major pain so have a decent set of metric wrenches around (adjustable in a pinch).