Even with the front gear drive, changing gear ratios isn't all that easier. I've worked on both. just got done switching ratios in a gear driven dragster. Had to pull engine in order to change gears, not a real big deal on dragster, could be more involved on a door car. The belt drives that I have worked on were dragsters as well, was really easy as long as you weren't making a big change, just loosen belt and change upper pulley. They do throw belts at most inappropriate times. There are also different versions of front mounts, as was mentioned earlier. Good luck, they are fun to drive! Jim.