well i have an 88 si right now but before i had a 88 hf or dx forgot what one it was but it was a 1.5 liter stock 5 speed and i also had a 90 integra and it was the same on that. all i did was pull it down wiggle it a little bit and got it out when i looked at it i thought the same thing there is no way in hell that will fit through there but it does and its really not that hard for me it wasnt it just popped out so good luck hope it goes well for you if worse comes to worse you could always pull the intake maifold off well the bolts so you can kinda move it and just pull it out that way but that takes longer not much but anyways good luck with that let me know if you need anymore assistance!