I haven`t followed this thread closely , but the first thing I would do is find out how to degree a cam ,and definitely get rid of that alum. gear . timing chain slop only retards ur timing
the amount the cam will move w/o the crank moving = bad.
After GOING BACK TO THE PICS, IT LOOKS TO ME LIKE SOMEONE INSTALLED UR CAM WRONG , IF IT WOULD HAVE JUMPED THAT MUCH , I`D THINK THE UPPER TEETH WOULD BE TORN UP !