I do mean that you will have to move the condensor and the plastic cowl over it to make room. You shouldn't have to purge the A/C system.
I'm not sure what's needed to get the engine lifted exactly, but you will have to disconnect the engine from the mounts at the minimum obviously. I don't know if the A/C condensor or piping needs to be moved in any way.
Are you doing this with the intake manifold off or did you get the new one on yet? Would it make a difference in your opinion? I'm both excited and worried about doing this myself when I'm done with summer classes.