I have a gas Maytag and have been told it is an easy process. I see where I would know out the hole after this I have no idea what is required. Can anyone help?

Changing the direction of the exhaust vent is not difficult. After knocking out that plate you need to add a 90 degree 3" elbow and then your flexible duct.

Thanks!
I have a 90degree elbow that I use coming out the back.
How hard and with what do you recommend I knock out the plate?
I have seen some 'kits' for sale on some sites. I will assume if I have the piping these are not needed?
Thanks again!

The kit should not be needed if you have your elbow. The plate, if its like the last one I did, is held by only 3 or 4 small tabs around the edge, llok closely. You should be able to hold a solid block of wood on one side just outside the ring and then hit with a hammer from the other side. Becareful as the plate detaches because it will have some sharp spots. The final one or two tabs usually require you grab with plyers and work back and forth several times until the steel weakens.