[78MayanW87]

Hey Steve25 - Thanks for responding back so quickly!

Yes, there was a combination of paper gasket and RTV.

The cam retaining plate, does in fact have a groove in it. Not deep, but its there. I cannot make out any kind of wear pattern on the back of the cam and the cam plug in the back of the block appears to have been set at the proper depth with no noticeable bulge like it was driven in with too small a socket as you suggested.

There was a plate between the timing cover and the water pump.

See attached pics and let me know if there is anything else you would like to see in greater detail. Thanks again!