I have a D15B7 and I need to replace the oil pan gasket. I have two questions:
(1) I need to remove Exhaust Pipe A. I did inspect it and it is rusted but still solid. This part is $180 new, which seems high for an exhaust pipe, but it must be made of something quite durable because it's upstream of the catalytic converter. Is it worth replacing since I'll have it off?

(2) I also need to remove the drive plate cover from the transmission to get at the two bolts on the passenger side of the oil pan. Do I need to drain the transmission fluid before I take the cover off? I replaced the tranny fluid 6 months ago, so I would prefer not to drain it again if I don't have to.

 

if the exhaust is fine then just leave it how it is unless you are putting on a new header or something. the black cover is only there to cover the flywheel and clutch assembly, there is no fluid around the clutch so you are fine there.