How to Assemble the Front of a Small Block

Yes, you can take the timing chain cover off without removing the oil pan.

Just cut the flat oil pan gasket off at the front of the block and then fit the new "ends" for that one with the new gaskets in the timing chain gasket kit. You will have to trim the tips off a little on the flat cork gaskets. Put the round rubber gasket on the oil pan first and use the rubber nubs/nipples to pull it in place with a pair of pliers or needle nosed pliers.

Then put the trimmed cork ends on the timing chain cover. Be careful not to knock the gaskets off location on the timing chain cover when you position it. Put the long bolts for the water pump/timing chain cover on first to help guide the cover, then use the two end bolts for the oil pan that go into the bottom of the timing chain cover next. You will have to fight the nubs for the rubber oil pan gasket, but it can be done, or trim the nubs after using them to pull the gasket in place on the oil pan.

Then put the 4 lower bolts into the timing chain cover and tighten them to spec (leave the long water pump bolts in place loose). One of the bolts will be hidden by the lower radiator outlet for the water pump, so you have to torque them before you install the water pump. then remove the long water pump bolts that you used to guide the timing cover on, and install the water pump and torque it to spec.

Then assemble the alternator and power steering and fan...