Well... I tackled the airbox removal mod this evening...

Let me just say, a HUGE PITA!
There is certainly not enough space in the frame to remove that. I was able to remove it though with the belt cover in place, simply slipped my 10mm socket under the belt guard enough to break it free, then was able to spin it by hand.
The box was getting stuck on the carb "lip"... But, with a little bit of blunt force it popped straight out.
Anyways... I pulled the box, but that's about it. I'll have to sort out re-installing it sometime this weekend.