I think I've finally beaten my cold. It robbed me of two weeks I could have been working on the engine. However, I spent the time productively, studying how to replace the cam chain wear pads. Turns out the camshaft alignment/timing toolkit I borrowed from a generous forum member is the wrong kit for my 5-chain M96. The borrowed kit contains these tools:
Here's the kit I need:
Which means I'd better cough up $97.87 for the correct kit if I hope to get the car on the road before winter. I'm also ordering a few more parts for the procedure:
cam chains (2)
camshaft sprocket bolts (8)
spark plug tubes (6)
oil scavenger pump o-rings (2)
camshaft plugs (3)
I'll hold off on replacing the AOS and other parts until I finish installing the pads.