in my opinion this engine needs is thicker timing chain if that is possible but i think that would be difficult or not possible. but if this can be done the engine will become much more trouble free.

and here is the total distance the plunger has travelled

Got my Verslavy in the mail today...very nice work, looks like it could have left the factory this way !

So I will be spinning some wrenches tomorrow. A little out of my comfort zone to be honest, but it does not look too complicated. I picked up Shell Advance Ultra 4T 10w-40 when I picked up my gaskets...is this a good choice, should I get some STP additive with ZDDP to put with this ?

Oh crap...what is the best choice oil ?

The Shell Advance Ultra 4T 10w-40 is rated JASO MA-2 - which means that it is a modern oil approved for use in motorcycles with catalytic converters and oxygen sensors.  As such.....it will have a lower ZDDP content.  I searched and could not find any listing of the actual amount of ZDDP in the oil.

Most "modern" motorcycles have some form of roller on the rocker arm that contacts the cam.....the Savage does not.  Our opinion on this forum is that you need an oil with 1,200 - 1,400 ppm of ZDDP to protect the cam and rocker from premature wear.

Go get some Rotella T or Rotella T-6......it is everything that your engine needs for long term survival.  If you want to be extra careful....add 2 oz. of Redline ZDDP additive to each gallon of Rotella before you put it in the engine (1 oz. per 2 qt. oil change).

Don't ever add oil treatments like STP or Lucas....it will make your clutch slip.

Way too soon to worry about the cam chain, and call around the local shops, not just Suzuki has the gasket. Keep the local people alive, go get a few oil filters, have them around, o rings for the filter cover and filter, maybe a crush washer for the plug. Then when it's tire time, they'll know your face.

Verslavy installed...wasn't too difficult. Hardest part (apart from thinking about it for 2 weeks...lol) was actually removing the circlip at the housing end of the adjuster !!  The external snap ring pliers I purchased were too big. I had to file down the end points to make them small enough to fit, and also file the insides of the mechanism to allow it to close enough to fit inside the circlip.
Original adjuster was extended 14mm. I considered installing verslavy in second hole, but it meant that the tension on the chain was already pretty strong with the plastic retainer still holding the plunger back. I did not like the idea of keeping the spring compressed so much. I reckon I will go back in and move to second hole in about 4,000 miles.
Pics...before and after.