Engine in or Engine out for 8 rib upgrade

Hi Guys,
My Mercury Marauder (4.6 32V DOHC, SC'd Vortech V7-JT) has a belt slip problem with 6 rib, so I am going to upgrade to 8 rib. My question is - do you think the job is made easier enough by pulling the engine to justify the work to take the engine out? Going with innovators west balancer.
Many thanks
-KK