Hi
yes the sump guard is under tension, remove front bolts first, then rear ones. When rebuilding put front bolts in first ( just a few turns) then rear bolts.
I did the same thing first time I removed it.
I have owned an 05 300 and an 07 280, and I would say the 300 was a lot easier and smoother to ride. The 280 is like an on/off switch, wheelspins too much and very easy to stall.