SOLVED!....sort of. Where's there's spark.. there's no fire!

Finish with your chain gear verification. Remember a COMPRESSION TEST is an infallible verification that camshaft synchronization has been compromised. Chain auto part stores RENT test and repair tools. You need to know for a fact if it's a gear/chain issue before going to the next step. Cylinder pressure is the tattle-tale. Either it's normal or it's a disaster. Time to find out...