Not really...I usually do it w/ the head off..if it's time for a chain, it's most likely time for heads. soI take the front cover etc off.. No, they're not expensive.
M117, M119 or any current 3 valve V8's should be done by someone who really knows what they are doing ie. professional technician. There are many things to remove on the M119's in particular. Specify year and model.
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