whats the easiest way to re-install my timing chain? i just installed a new cam and i tried to get the two dots to line up but the top one is just a bit to left left. its at like 6:05 instead of 6 o clock. im having trouble wrapping the chain around both gears while postioning the dot correctly...

Move it one link off in either direction and see if gets worse both times. If it does, then I'd say you've got it right.

ok i got that right now for the timing cover...

do i have to loosen the oil pan bolts to clear the bottom part of the timing cover? or does the bottom piece / rubber seal go over the pan?

You have to remove the harmonic damper then the cover to get a new chain on there, experienced from every small block I've ever rebuilt. You'd want to clean that cover anyway, especially if it came with a nylon coated cam gear- all that broken nylon trash is down in the bottom of the cover.
I'd put on a new cover seal while you have it apart and consider a crank repair sleeve to eliminate that groove that's always there from the old seal, so it doesn't leak there. You can get that sleeve at any good auto parts store for under $5. They tap on easily with a block of wood and a hammer.

curly, see my post in your other thread.

Dot to dot is just a referance and once that is established it should be degreed in to make sure its where it should be and that way there is no bent valves on start up.

Curly would have to pull the heads to degree it. Sounds like this has been just a cam change. On a race engine degreeing is a must for optimum performance. I'd guess it'd be less of an issue for a street car, although optimum performance is extremely high on my priority list! I'd at least use a dial indicator on the #1 cylinder rocker to find TDC if the heads stay on the engine, if not buy/make the tool with a pushrod and lifter brazed together and use the indicator to find TDC.