I never really looked at taking the oil pump out throught the access panel. I've been more of a "just drop the engine and go to town" kind of a mechanic, so I'm very limited in my knowledge of working on the engine while it's actually in the car. Dropping the engine the first time was a hassle, the second time, not so much. I'm sure as I learn, it will become second nature. From what little I've done, there is a world of difference between trying to work on it in the car, and out on a stand. My sense is that to leave the engine in the car and remove the oil pump getting the front engine mount out of the way would be a benefit. At that point dropping the front down for more clearance seems logical. Someone else who has actually done that can chime in if they have a mind to.
