Maybe try unscrewing 2 of the studs so that it catches the gasket? I have 0 problems with studs, but made old bolts in to a locator pin before I had them. I just unthreaded when I was done and put the bolts in. I would do it so 1/2 a thread or so is above the block surface on the 2. Just enough to keep the gasket in place until you can tighten the other 8 enough to hold it so you can tighten the original 2. You don't want it to hold the head off the block...you should be able to do this.
