I just replaced the t-belt, tensioner, spring, and water pump.

I have a feeling (maybe I worry too much) that the belt is a bit on the tight side. It is not making the infamous whining/whirling sound but the car feels sluggish and the belt was pretty damn tight when I put it on.

So...I have a couple questions on how to re-tension the belt now that it's on the car. Search yielded many different answers but nothing definite.

?#1 - I can remove dist. cap and check the rotor against the crank pulley to verify TDC...BUT...once at TDC how do I know when I've rotated the motor three teeth?...do I have to remove the valve cover and upper t-belt cover so I can actually see the cam gears move three teeth?

?#2 - When do I loosen the tensioner?...do I a) loosen the tensioner while at TDC then move three teeth and then tighten the tensioner, or b) move three teeth then loosen the tensioner then tighten the tensioner?

Hopefully that made sense...any help would be greatly appreciated!