So with the wealth of information on this site, I was able to remove the cover myself and verify the failed gasket. I have a new gasket set and I have a few questions that I couldn't answer by searching this site (maybe I didn't phrase it right, etc..):
1. Do I use any RTV on the cover gasket?
2. Torque rating on all cover bolts?
3. Anyone have a trick to removing the gasket off of the block?
Also, in case someone is looking at doing this job, Autozone in my location has the HB puller AND the GM 3.8 adaptor kit available for free rental. Only thing, I had to roll the pointed end piece of the puller (forgot what that's called) on a grinder just a bit to get it's diameter down to fit inside the HB. Otherwise it was jamming up and just pushing on the HB.
Again - thanks to all of the helpful individuals on this forum.
