Timing cover
I would not use the little cork pan gasket corner pieces that come in most timing cover gasket kits. Obviously thoroughly degrease everything but definitely use some degreaser/cleaner with a small wire brush to really scrub the corners of the block/pan (where you used a sharp blade to cut the old pan gaskets off) Ensures no possibility of weeping or leaks.
I use Ultra Black rtv and build up a uniform bead in place of those little cork pieces, and fill in those block/pan corners as well. You can use the oil pan bolts to help draw the timing cover down and then check to make sure the flats of the timing cover are level with the block, you don’t want to draw it down too much. You should be able to reinstall the cover without loosening the pan this way. Others may have a different method using the cork pieces with good results. I’ve changed out the cover gaskets on these LA’s for any number of reasons (coolant leak, balancer seal, cam changes) and it’s the only way I reseal. YRMV
I would not use the little cork pan gasket corner pieces that come in most timing cover gasket kits. Obviously thoroughly degrease everything but definitely use some degreaser/cleaner with a small wire brush to really scrub the corners of the block/pan (where you used a sharp blade to cut the old pan gaskets off) Ensures no possibility of weeping or leaks.
I use Ultra Black rtv and build up a uniform bead in place of those little cork pieces, and fill in those block/pan corners as well. You can use the oil pan bolts to help draw the timing cover down and then check to make sure the flats of the timing cover are level with the block, you don’t want to draw it down too much. You should be able to reinstall the cover without loosening the pan this way. Others may have a different method using the cork pieces with good results. I’ve changed out the cover gaskets on these LA’s for any number of reasons (coolant leak, balancer seal, cam changes) and it’s the only way I reseal. YRMV