is it necessary to remove the y pipe before removing head

[glaciermonkey]

06 m7

i want to check the look of the pistons and cylinders but i am not sure if it matters if i remove the y pipe or not. my manuel says not to torque the head on until the y pipe is on but that is starting from the cylinders being removed.

 

[everytime5.9]

use your best judgment. if your going to remove the cylinders then obviously yes. if your just going to peak in why not just remove the y pipe and power valves and take a glance. no point in going through the hassle with the head/coolant/time unless you have nothing better to do. unless i missed exactly what you were going to do with the head off.