[ghur]

Are you doing the LOWER timing chain cover gasket, or just the uppers? I did the uppers. You can do the guides without any special tools, I saw a DIY on a BMW. He held the chains in place using zip ties. Do some googling!

The NRV's sit behind the solenoids, so replacing the solenoids is a different process.

I have done a few timing chain and guide replacements and definitely would not recommend trying without the special tools. Anything is possible but I think you will be creating big problems for yourself if you try this.