If I rent the mini-specific belt tool, can I do this myself? I have access to a full garage and person(s) with good mechanical skills, including yself.

I don't want to try it if it is too hard - but I read that the new versions are very easy to install and can be done pretty quickly too.

I'd like to do it if it is "swappable" ie. I am able to take it out and put the stock one back in if I am going on a long trip (i'm neurotic, don't mind me...) I may never exercise that option, but I don't want to install it if that is not an option.

 

You need both the belt tool and a puller to remove the stock pulley. Raising the motor to use the puller is fairly easy. Installing the clamp on pulley is very easy. Reinstalling the stock pulley is NOT very easy. It is an interference fit, and would require heating to press back over the blower snout. If you can find a clamp on style pulley with stock diameter as well as the smaller performance one, then swapping would be doable in about an hour.

 

but is my neurosis justified?

 

Not by current experience, nope. Quite a few people are running 15% or smaller pulleys, and putting tens of thousands of miles on their cars with no issues. I have a 19% currently, and drive across state fairly often to visit family. Works fine, and makes interstate driving much more fun.

 

and so it is written, and it shall be done.