yes, you can remove the transmission without taking the engine out but you need to support the engine from the top. Honda and most other companies make an engine brace that hangs between the engine wall and the radiator core support. that brace has a hook to attach to the engine so that the weight of the engine is transferred to the beam and the engine doesn't drop when you lower the subframe and transmission. check with your parts store to see if they have a generic engine support available under their loaner tool program.
hope that helps
