kioto
I believe I tested using 28.5 but I'm not 100% sure, I'll check when I get home and get back to you. I was at high 80's before my delid using IC Diamond, I didn't like that one bit and deled, now I'm a happy camper.
 
Coollaboratory Liquid Pro/Ultra is one of if not the best TIM for bare die (delid) application. I don't have a heat spreader installed anymore, but I wouldn't use CLP/CLU between the heat spreader and block/cooler. If you keep the heat spreader, I would suggest using CLP/CLU between the die and the heat spreader and whatever other TIM you like best between the heat spreader and your block/cooler.

Correct. Its what everyone is saying.  Just the die and die only. 
 
When you remove, if or when.   The cpu should pull up with the waterblock. 
 
Have a piece of playing card cut down so you can protect those pins in case the cpu falls back down.
 
Were getting mixed results with ultra on how it hardens up like Pro is known to.
 
 
Great temps. I may go naked since Im already delidded.
 
You just popped the retention brackets bolts back in?