Engine is ready to be pulled, everything disconnected as per the shop manual. however it dosen't say anything about the wiring harness (side that connects to ECU). do I disconnect from the ECU and pull through te firewall? if so I should probably remove the abs unit. or should I disconect it from under the intake manifold...looks a little tough.

any help would be much appreciated.

 

its easier to pull form the firewall. to get some more room there you can remove the wiper motor and that will give you enough wiggle room, or you could do it the hard way and remove the in uim and disconnect the wiring harnes form the engine its self.

 

You don't 'need' to remove the ABS, but you could if you want. You may need to remove the heat shields to get better access, but that should be it. You should be able to get the harness through the firewall with the ABS unit in it's place.

 

ok great, thanks so much guys.

 

how do you tackle the black rubber that seals the firewall hole? can that be pryed out?

 

Yep. Just be careful not to puncture the rubber and possibly damage wires.