Checked out some youtube videos and they didn't have to remove the engine. One video had to jack up the engine from the bottom and the other went through the passenger wheel well.
Would of been better just to buy a Corolla, easier access replacing parts.
I seem to remember a GM car from the 1970s where you had to remove engine, or several motor mounts & jack the engine up - to get to some of the spark plugs... and that was back before iridium plugs, before platinum plugs - 30k miles and change 'em.
3.8 Carbed? I recall that Pat Goss mentioned on Motor Week, that one particular oil leak on an older 3.8 GM V6. the engine had to be disassembled to be able to reach the internal seal to replace it.
Update - Had the dealership replace water pump, serpentine belt and PCV while they were in there. Out of pocket $1,450.00. It isn't too bad since this was the only major fix since owning it in 2008. Typical DD car.
Asked other independent shops and was quoted around $1,200-$1,900 just for the water pump.