Distributor alignment and lifter replacement

[Steven Hauptmann]

Hi all,

Finally getting around to installing the new metal gear distributor I
purchased on the GP a while back.  In preparation (and in hopes of a low
frustration job), I have ordered a few tools like the distributor alignment
tool (3233) and intake manifold tool (VAG 1669).
I will be replacing the occasionally clickety lifters and the t-belt as
well.

Can anyone out there who's familiar with the distributor R&R tell me if
there is anything tricky about the distributor alignment?  This is my first
distributor replacement and I am not sure what to expect beyond what the
Bentley reveals.

Also, if anyone is familiar with camshaft removal I have a question about
that also. The Bentley states that the cam chain must be loosened to remove
the camshaft, which seems obvious enough, but does not state how to go about
loosening it. Is there a tensioner of some sort??

I hope to have my new low buck digital camera by the time the under hood
festivities commence, so I am planning to document the procedure and do a
write-up.  I will make it available to anyone interested.

Thanks,
Steve Hauptmann
South Carolina
200q 20v - 154,000 mi