Early Front Clip Removal?

Once you get the fenders, grill and bumper and bumper brackets all off, you wil be able to reach into the engine bay MUCH better. No need to remove the core support, as has already been mentioned, it is part of the body shell and you'd have to drill out spot welds to remove it. I think once you unbolt everything and get it off, you'll be happy with what you can get to.