i arrange it that this is done at the end of the day. i glue the gasket to the block using the bolts to orientate the holes and hold it in place. i preform the cork strips to the radius that they will end up in. the next day i glue groove and seat the strips. i add a dab of rtv where the gasket and the strips meet then put the pan on and tighten evenly. never had a leak with this method.
