knock sensor help

I have a 99 Max SE that needs a new knock sensor. There is a roundish component blocking all view to the area where the knock sensor is. Based on the size of my hands, I'm going to have to go the route of removing the intake manifold. Are there any "how-to's" on how to do this? Does the intake manifold have to be taken completely off or will it pivot up once the 4 front bolts are losened. Do all the cables and wires running over it need to be removed first? How do I go about removing the gasket - scrape or spray? Any help would be appreciated.

...scrape or spray? Any help would be appreciated.

I've bypassed it in VGE with .5MOhm resistor as its only a safety device. Need higher octane gas after that. If interested, check http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/9

All has to be taken out. Scraping, very carefully not to cause scrathes which leak.

I suppose there is a writeup, was it 4DSC or smtg like that...