One question I have is: Was the cam gear (Dinan) designed for the Dinan chip or just as a timing advance? And how would the Conforti chip work without the cam gear?

Also, do you simply have to remove the valve cover to replace the cam gear or is it much more involved?

My 88 M5 has Stock Exhaust (which I need to replace; need more money), K & N Air Filter & Dinan Cam Gear and until recently a Dinan Chip. My ECU died (this is at least partially why I need more money) and I put in a Conforti chip when ECU replaced. In passing judgment I would say the Conforti chip is the better between these two for what you desire. The Dinan Chip on the bottom rev end did little if anything and then aroung 4k kicked in and turned on (I will admit it was a very nice rush). The Conforti Chip on the other hand gives improvement across the entire range of revs. I also had the opportunity to drive my car with the stock chip and wow was that an unhappy experience (boring!!!). Hope this was somewhat helpful.