can be yes, inlet is usually no bother but exhaust nuts like to seize on. you might be alight though, the only engine ive really struggled with was my old 1.6 driver. this was because the coolant channel oring had been leaking for years so the 2 exhaust nuts below it had corroded into solid lumps of metal which required 1 to be cut off and drilled out. thought with the engien out at least you have loads of room to work! the head bolts are a struggle with engine in as they're tucked right in there, but with it out its much easier to see.
Should be a lot easier to get the manifolds off with the engine out. At least you can get in at the exhaust nuts with a grinder / chisel, and you can see what you're doing on the inlet, rather than feeling your way.
