I'm working on a 2003 civic si hatchback, and the YouTube videos and DIY guides I've seen briefly say to remove the starter before pulling the tranny lose to get to the clutch, but after reviewing the Honda factory service manual (1100 some pages), it makes absolutely no mention of removing the starter in the tranny removal instructions, or the instructions for removal of other parts prior to removing the tranny (airbox, vacuum hoses, electrical connectors, etc.). I just want to know if the starter has to come out?

​​​​​​​Has anyone done this on an si hatchback and know if the starter has to come out? It's mounted on the engine side, and you can only see one of the bolts, the other is in a blind spot and very hard to get to (looks easier to drop the oil pan and lower half the block to replace a crankshaft than getting to the starter).

 

UPDATE - pulled the starter out from underneath, trying to get it back in has proven difficult. I may have to pull intake manifold, and idler or ps pump to get to IM bolts just to get room, anyone know a better way of accessing the starter?

 

You have to remove the front bolt (17mm head) because it passes through the block and into the transmission case, but not the rear bolt (14mm head)... leaving the starter in place.