My manifolds are leaking (rusted through) so I need to replace them. Trying to decide if this is a job I want to tackle myself. I'm mostly concerned with the two inboard ones as they are pretty tight. Have you guys done it? How hard is it? Is it less work to pull the motors, or at least one of them?

You're engine's are much closer than mine, I can remove my bench seat in 2 mins. for even more access and I paid a mobile mechanic $850 to do the work. Very glad I did after seeing the BS he had to go through. I did Y-pipe flappers at the same time while the components were off, cheap insurance.

Keep in mind the manifolds aren't held in place with studs (at least not on mine) so you have to hold a 50 lb. slug while feeding in bolts and hope not to cross thread etc. You may also be battling hard to remove and potentially broken bolts. Not any fun in that cramped engine bay nor mine with more room.

Yeah, decided not to mess with them because I got a quote for replacement of about $800 labor. Well worth not having to deal with the hassle.

Like you said 1 rusted bolt turns the 1 hr job into all day, Been there and just did that. In the end I had to pound a 13mm, 12 point socket onto the head since the rust actually made the head of the bolt smaller. Took me 3-4 hours to remove 1 manifold. I also had one engine already removed so i had working working room.

Always comes down to time and money. Some people have more time less money, others have no time but more money.

You're obviously well versed, it was our first time and didn't know what to expect and maybe didn't the tools which make the job easier.

Exactly, nothing ever easy! The simplest jobs turn into the biggest headaches. Furthermore, some have major spine issues, other surgically repaired body parts, aches and pains etc.