I got a few pertinent questions at this point:

1: Do we have to pull oil pan to remove cam? (assume the timing cover mod was done)

2: How to inspect cam bearings with oil pan on?

3: Since I can't re-use the melling timing gear, do I have to change the crank gear? (no removal holes, so not easy to pull)

Preaching the Hot Rod Gospel according to the 4-stroke apostles:

Suck, Squish, Fire and Fumes