Are there any tricks i should know? How tight should i make the belt because i'm worried about over/under-tightening it.

here is a link that will explain this for you. http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528005c59a

Are there any tricks i should know? How tight should i make the belt because i'm worried about over/under-tightening it.

when first installing tighten so that the belt will deflect 1/4 inch or so,at the mid point when you push down on it...then try to rotate the alt pulley by hand....after a few days re-tighten so that the belt is as before...

it is better to be loose ,, than too tight , as the bearings will get damaged..