replace timing cover without removing oil pan?

I have a big gasket leak at timing cover but gm manual says remove exhaust pipes, starter, and oil pan to remove timing cover. is there a simpler way (tricks)? like drop pan a little without removing other stuff? this reminds me of egr pipe repair: step: 1 disconnect battery; step 2: remove engine...

I forgot: its a 94 LT1 in a camaro z28. sorry about that.

why not just clean the oil off, get some high temp gasket seal and put it around the leak? I got a tiny leak in the same spot.... I'm just going to try to pack gasket seal into it.

that might be the only way--problem is I cant tell exactly where on cover the leak is since it has thrown oil all around there.

just clean it all up... then run the car for 5 mins, then look where it's coming from. or just seal around the entire bottom section.

thanks, will try that.

chances are its from around the crank seal, gotta do it by the book if thats the problem im afraid.