Looking through the head gasket replacement process online and I have 2 simple questions:

1) When they say to disconnect the battery earth lead are they talking about the negative cable or is there a ground wire connected to the engine block somewhere?

2) First step in the process is to remove the boot. Is this necessary (in order to reach the bolts to remove the ignition coils)?

 

earth = ground. negative ground system, so yes, the negative lead.

You don't HAVE to take off the hood, but it makes it easier, and I swapped hoods on mine by myself in less than 5 minutes. Really light and super easy.

 

And rememebr that there is no such thing as a stupid question, there are only questions that you dont know the answer to.

 

Great thanks I'm starting in the morning so I will post if I get stuck.