Hey guys, im taking off my 02 wrx transmission (installing ppg gears) and I have ran into one question before I take it off. Okay, here it goes......do i have to take off the pressure plate bolts first or just take off all the bolts on the bell-housing and pull it off?

I have already done the following;
disconnected all wiring
disconnected driveline
disconnected axles
exhaust off
shifter off
etc....


The transmission is ready to come off, however my friend told me that i need to take off the pressure plate bolts before I pull off the transmission.... is this correct? if so, how to do take them off because the hole for the starter is not big enough to line up on the bolts. please help......thanks