I can't catch a break, can I? Went to loosen the oil pump cover bolts, 1..good..2..good.. 3..good..4..good.......5'* torx head stripped.... so now I need something to remove it with. Ugh...

I degrease ONLY the outside of the timing cover. Never the inside or oil pump.

Ordering parts today on Rockauto... For the timing set... Sealed Power or Cloyes?

Also, is the ACDelco water pump listed on rockauto the cast impeller?

PN they have listed.
ACDELCO Part # 252694 {#88926208}

Today'* order of business, scraping the old timing cover gasket off the engine, and it'* NOT coming off. What should I use to soften it up? The razor blade just isn't cutting it. :(

Do you have a gasket scraper? Might be better for leverage.

Yeah, it'* a razor blade scraper, its got a handle, but just isn't cutting it.

I always liked the putty knife. it doesnt try and dig into the block either

You can get some stuff at your local parts store called "gasket remover". Spray it directly on the gasket surface, wait about 10-15 mins and the stuff will scrape right off. Don't get it on your skin! It burns like hell.

Just need to know this info before I order in a few minutes.

Look good? Am I missing anything, I don't think I am, but I could be wrong.