LA oil pan gasket install advise

That makes a difference alright.:D
I like to dimple the bolt holes away from the rail a little as well, so the pan rail comes up against the gasket before the area around the bolts and then tighten them a little at a time while working back and forth across the pan just like you would torque heads or an intake.
A little anal probably, but results tell the tale.
Good advise...I will follow your lead