After reading many threads on the subject I think I'm now ready to tackle the job.

While I have the camshaft cover off, what else should I be checking:
a) I read about timing chain, what should I be looking for? How tight should it be?

b) The gasket was replaced by the INDY last valve adjustment, should I be replacing it every time the cover is taken off?

c) I plan to detail the cover when it's off, any suggestion on what to use?

Thank you for your time.

It took me about 3 hours to do my first DIY valve adjustment that was done previously by an INDY some 24,000 km. ago.

With COLD engine, I found that ALL the INTAKE valves were within tolerance (.10 mm) and ALL the EXHAUST valves were tight (.35 mm) such that the filler gauge will not slide through.

To do the job, I heated and bent a pair of 14 mm open-ended wrenches (at 2 45* angles), replicating the factory tools. I purchased a remote starter which easily clipped on to the junction box on the right front fender for turning the engine - recommended. I purchased a new gasket but found the old one fine and reused it.

I tried to detail the camshaft cover with Mothers mag & aluminum polish but with little improvement. The 20 year old dullness and stain is sort of bugging me so I am contemplating on painting it candy red maybe, or having it professionally polished. Any suggestions?

Result: A much noticeable improvement in acceleration. It feels like the engine is breathing much easier

For next time, I will grind the homemade wrenches to make it thinner with the same thickness as the adjusting nut and weld an extension for more leverage.