@ dixy2k, I sure did. Would it have been easier with the head off, sure. Was it necessary nope. Just take your time, have a good air compressor, bore scope, shop vac, tools etc... and anyone with a little ambition can accomplish this procedure. I've learned to do lots of research before the project and after the project, double check your work. With that said, I have a few gearhead buddies who I bounce ideas off of on a regular basis (Trev that's you bro...here is some of his work
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1021487)