Can't speak to the 87'... but find the 88' to be a moderate job on the PITA scale. I have done it with out removing the plenum cover, but it makes things easier.
With the plenum cover off, it is easy enough to reach in from the side to deal with the clips. Plug and coil wires off, the cap just pops off and can be removed rearward just rotated enough to clear the crank case breather pipe if the TPS is disconnected and the vacuum line to the throttle jack is out of the way.
Before pulling the dist unit out, I make a note of the direction on the rotor button (dizzy - arm - whatever you might call it).
I put a shop towel under the unit as it will leak a little bit of oil as the shaft pulls free. But... loosen the clamp the rest of the way and withdraw the unit form the shaft base of the oil pump housing.
Once the unit is out of the shaft, it can be rotated, flipped, and withdrawn rearward as well. Harder to get back into place... but again with the plenum cover off you can reach in and under with the right hand and guide things.

opcorn:If you forgot the position of the rotor button... you have a 50% shot at installing the unit 180 degrees out of time. You can test for this by the car not starting as the test!
Swap plug wires around if this happens as it is far easier to do than re-time or pull the unit again...
Cameron