Just thought I'd update this thread. The car is back together and seems to be doing well.

I ended up loosening the entire engine cradle and dropping it down just enough to get the rack out the driver's side, which went fairly smoothly.

I went ahead and put in a C5R timing chain from Katech and a ported and shimmed LS6 oil pump - thanks to Danny Popp from Raft Racing for the suggestions and the help. What a difference that makes on oil pressure!

I also decided to fix my AC system. While I had it apart I put a new compressor, drier/accumulator and flushed the whole system. All new o-rings too.

I have yet to get my C6 Z06 oil cooler plumbed and mounted, but hope to put the car up on a buddy's lift and do that in the next week or so.