I think I have the same problem. I just replaced my top coolant hose, the oil coolant hose, and the thermostat hose to the oil coolant hose. I'm still researching, but I think that piece you are talking about goes right into the engine. Everything is a pain to get off, but once you do it, it's not difficult to do again. The main issue is realizing what connects to the hoses to remove them. You have to remove the 6 intake plenum though. If you don't, you won't have room to do anything.