So the underdrive pulley is on with the 1 inch smaller belt. It took three attempts to get the bolt to come undone.. thats why it took so long, now I understand the starter method of freeing the bolt too (not used) and it was a beefy electric impact that finally worked, but it got busted in the process.. anywho a 20minute test drive shows better throttle response for sure especially noticable when gearing down, and overall there is a smoother feeling when you floor it, like how the pulley spools up and down. No belt squeaks so far. With the stock pulley there were acceleration and deceleration hesitations that seem smaller now. Loving it.
Moving on to planning the next stage which will be better pedals, power steering bypass, unplugging the exhaust and hoping to find a lighter than stock 13" rim/tire combo.