1. With the boot insert out and the car firmly on jack stands I think it is perfectly safe to run the engine in second gear to check the belt (but not with the fingers?)
2. I think a better place to check the "center" of the front would be the lower A frame or A frame mounts, rather than the "number plate" The frames ARE jig welded. Spin the rear tire and make a reference line (Chalk?) on the circumference of the tire and triangulate from the front rear lower A frame mounts?
