Just had the first start after buttoning the timing chain project back up. The rattle in the engine noise is gone. Man I wish I would have done with the engine on the stand.
The new Cloyes chains (I did both) were noticeably tighter than the ones removed, especially while turning the engine by hand. I had assumed, probably incorrectly, that since the parts that came in the engine were marked with 'Cloyes' and had a new style tensioner on a 2006 that the timing had been addressed, and everything looked ok. Maybe they were just due again, who knows.
Some findings once I had it all apart: the balance shaft/WP chain tensioner didn't feel like it was working properly, the oil nozzle seemed to be clogged, and there was a very small chunk missing from the right chain guide that kind of wraps around the main chain.
About the Cloyes kit: the chains and cam sprockets were noticeably thinner in construction than the removed parts, which I wasn't happy to see. Also, I had to reuse the balance shaft sprockets because one of the new ones lost a tooth on install at only about half the final torque value, I was REALLY not happy.
Overall, I'm just giddy that my engine isn't broken. Ready to rack up some miles.