I pulled my Vigor engine out last weekend and you do not have to drop the subframe. I followed the Honda service instructions, with the addition that I went ahead and dropped the tranny also. It probably wasn't necessary but it made things alot easier. I also left the a/c compressor on the engine and just disconnected the lines from it. If the engine is unbolted and the radiator is out of the car, you should have plenty of room to pull the engine forward while lifting it up with an engine hoist.

Where exactly are you having difficulties? :dunno:

If the tranny is out of the car (it's easy), then you should only have to remove two more nuts and a bolt to pull the motor.