They make sense when you consider the "assembly" of the car. Install the heater pump and vale assembly over the tranny (easily done with the engine out), assemble engine and all hoses on the stand, install assembled engine, snap fuel & coolant connections together + electrical, and you're done.

However, "maintenance" done years later is a completely different issue! The scariest car out there to me is actually the BMW Z4. The lower body, and drive train are assembled first, and then the upper body is attached, "Clamshelling" EVERYTHING. (.... cringe)

 

Jim, you are so right on the BMW's.
Ever work on a 3 series valve cover gasket. Have to take the fire off to get to the back bolts.
Jaguar made it difficult, they make it impossible.
Getting closer on the Spit6, glad you finally came up for air.

 

Wayne! How the Hell are ya? Yeh - with the engagement/wedding and another "really" significant project (to be discussed in SEPCOR - lol), I've been off the grid for quite a while. I'm hoping the dust will settle a bit by mid '19. Great to hear of the Spit6 progress. Say Hi to Christene!

Sorry to momentarily hijack the thread everyone. "We now return control of your television set to you. "