[kdjones2000]

You cannot get that mount out without either removing that centering collar by pushing it out towards the rear of the car (Difficult to do, not sure if it's even possible), or by loosening up the bell housing.

This is one of the reasons that I notched out my bell housing a bit deeper, to be able to get that mount out if needed.

What I would suggest, if you can, is to try to get a flat blade screwdriver between the engine block and the centering collar and see if you can drive it back farther onto the bracket.

When I had to install mine for the first time, I had already bolted up the bell housing and ran into the reverse of your issue. I pushed the collar back so it was flush with the front of the bracket hole, put the bracket in place, then used pliers or the like to slide the collar forward and into the engine block.

Good luck,

Keith