took the pan off today, the gasket stayed in place fairly well except a small bit came off of the pan, but i think its salvageable with a LITTLE right-stuff.
rechecked the scratched bearings and the journal looks good, took the bearing shell and gave it a quick buff and cleaned thoroughly. It still makes me nervous but i think itll be ok.
no i just have to line up the flywheel mark at TDC and then the timing cover can go on properly.
thanks again for everyones help.
