Pulling the heads apart.
 

Has anyone pulled the heads off their vq35 without dropping the motor?

I had popped a head gasket and seriously considered it but I decided it would be simpler to just pull the motor. The entire front end has to come off to get at the timing chain anyway at that point you might as well just pull the engine. I am not sure you would be able to get the heads off over the head studs while in the engine bay.

Pull the motor it is a lot easier. What are you planning on doing??? headwork? or just fixing an issue?

drop the motor, because you'll have to remove the timing chain, timing chain cover, all the pulleys, etc. and theres so little room to work with in the engine bay. Its a whole lot simpliar to work on it out of the car.

I just did it a couple months ago and yes it's possible but I was better off pulling the motor... It makes it easier...