upper timing chain guide

[wickedsilvia]

I have a 1995 240sx with about 120k miles on it. The engine started rattling and I thought it was the timing chain going bad, so I took off the valve cover and found that the upper timing chain guide had broken off and it was what was making the noise. I have read that the guide is not necesary on the s13 240sx but do I need to replace the guide on my year model, or is it safe to just leave it off? Also, if it is safe to leave it off then what is its purpose?