Not that it matters since you want to replace the valve cover gasket, but you don't have to take them off to change the plugs and wires. You just need to remove the coils off the back of the engine compartment to get at the rear plugs and wires. There are 4 screws holding them on, not just the 2 easily visible -or so I understand. I was a lazy bastard and had a mechanic do mine since I wasn't sure I didn't have a bad coil also.