Is there a special trick???

I've followed the Acura shop manual to the 'T' except for removing the lower mounting bracket from the side of the block. The manual says the alternator comes out from the top so I didn't see the need in removing something below it.

The body of the alternator is just too big at every orientation I've tried to pull it up and out in. It always gets wedged between the intake manifold, the back of the head, and the shock tower.

I was trying to look and figure out a way to bring it back towards the firewall and then up between the firewall, master cylinder, and intake manifold plenum some way. But it looks like way too many wires and rubber hoses and I'm not optimistic that the thing will make it through the firewall, master cylinder, and/or intake manifold.

Somebody school me on this please. Thanks in advance.

 

There is a pretty simple way to do it but it involves droping it out from the bottom. Remove drivers side axel. leave the spindle attached to the upper control control arm and just tie it out of the way with a bungee cord or rope. Take off the fork that connects the strut to the lower control arm. then pry the axel out of the intermediate shaft but dont pull on the axel because you will seperate the joints inside of the boots. After you have removed those things get the alternator completely disconnected from everything so it can me moved where ever. then take off the bracket that is attached to the block. 3 bolts. two on the left and one on the right. after you remove the bracket just drop the alternator out the bottom between the engine and rear subframe.

 

???

Surely there's an easier way...

 

probably but i have yet to find one. thats just what i did in a b18c5 swapped crx because the alternator would not fit out through the top.