i have the pinto block upside down at the moment, would it be better to stick the gasket to the block and then stick the sump to the gasket or stick the gasket to the sump and then to the block?

Cork gasket with cut outs on the sump edge?
Blue Hylomar on sump, stick gasket on sump, blue hylomar on block, then put the sump/gasket on.......
Put all the bolts in, check and then tighten in cross diagonal sequence.

Thumbs up for Blue Hylomar and don't get the silicon stuff that looks the same.

Old school here, smear of grease on both surfaces to make for easy future removal, job done.

|Grease for me too if it's a cork gasket