Hey I’m doing mine as we speak. I would start by gathering all of the firewall hoses. Budget about $150.
You will definitely need some very compact cut off tool like a hobby size to cut those bands off as yours look to be rusted on. You can try to make a solution of rust off (acetone and transmission fluid, google this) to help break the rust off. The cotton pin has an
ART to removing it. You turn it left to release tension (I use a small HF pick) and then pull the pin out (Needle nose pliers). Then you unwind the metal band.
To train yourself on the function of the cotter pin style, start by removing all of the hoses on the firewall and then you will be able to carefully study and see how the cotter pin style works. Once you understand how the cotter pin works you’ll be able to properly disengage it. You need to ask yourself if you going to be using the bypass method or using the hard pipe. I think if you do bypass, you loose the rear heating option. IDK, dont quote me.
I would advise you to get the extended 12mm 6 point wrench as you get it over the bolt and loosen it out. The first 12mm on top is easy, but the bottom one is hard. I had to remove 2 baked on hoses and some other things to get leverage. Once I had room, that extended 12mm in the photo i was able to slip it on and turn it off. I broke the bolt in the process, but I don't think it matters as some have broken it off on purpose to replace the hose.
View attachment 2710789
View attachment 2710790
View attachment 2710792