I am on the front 3. i am replacing # 5 wire.
across the front of the valve cover is a black piece of
plastic in which the wires slip into the groove so they are
not hanging. on #5 the engine bracket is in the way and
wire can not be seated. is there a away to remove this black piece
of plastic? it doesn't seem to snap off, or do i have to remove the
engine lift bracket?

you have to be aggressive with it, it slides out the top

Tanx Mon!!

I can get that thing off ok, but for some reason I always have a hell of a time getting it back on right...

It'* not needed aggression. You'll break it.

There are clips that hold it to the valvecover.

I was able to get the cover off no problem.
plugs(NGK TR55), Wires(beldin), and 180* (supr-stat) drilled
have all been replaced, coils were reading ok.

thanks for the help gents.