so, i ended up pulling the engine and engine plate - put longer bolts in the front engine mount holes, then put it all back together with added spacers that add 9/16" height to those front two motor mounts (pto clutch side) which took up an extra 1 1/8th inch of belt length. it does make the engine sit at an angle now, but it actually made the driveshaft angles better than what it was before - so now the belt fits great and the tractor mowed my lawn great last night! that 46GT deck is soooo nice compared to the 44c's i have been using before!