How do these look?

[vpilarrt]

In addition, I was under the impression that the old style guide rails that fell apart were steel.

The old style were pastic coated steel so that may be what your're seeing in your oilpan.

I did mine a few months ago - changed the gudes, chain and crank sprocket because the teeth on the old one were pointy but the new one looked the same. I guess they have to be pointy because the gear is such a small diameter, it was only $60 so oh well. My can sprockets looked like yours (with 240k miles) - didn't change.

[KenC]

Those guides are kind of expensive, but at least you know the problem now. Should be fine with a replacement.

You'll need a cam-lock tool to retime it perfectly though after you take the chain off. The pressure from the valves will make the cams rotate.

***In the first picture, it look like both of your cams have been adjusted. Did you do this, or did they loosen?

[3bvert]

yep and its ususally the expensive one
while your in it, check your oil pump and check valve
at least the gasket seal set is cheap

[squareright]

Sure do.

6 degrees adv on the intake was originally the go, but I think the sweetest balance is around 4 degrees adv.

3 degrees would be the optimium