On you question about removing the strut bar. I think it has to come off to have enough clearance. I was surprised at how high the valve cover has to be raised to clear everything underneath it. Regardless, the strut bar was probably one of the easiest pieces to remove (2 bolts if I remember right) and you will appreciate the fact that it is out of the way. You'll have enough stuff to contend with in there. Just take it off would be my advice.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk