Manifold Hitting the Block

Steven Vames said
Thanks everyone -- especially Professor Fate -- for the input. I'm guessing that as you said, I have a '73+ head that has those extended ports. If the shop grinds the manifold and ends up ruining it or not being able to make it fit, I'm trying to prioritize my next moves.

1) Obtain a 73+ manifold. Would I have problems with clearing my 72 car's power steering box? Any other considerations?

2) Similar manifold with a fatter gasket -- does anybody have any gasket suggestions?

3) Similar manifold with a spacer (Header Flange). Seems like this would move the manifold out for clearance, but the ones I see do not look like they would cover the extended exhaust port surface on the 73+ head. Would this be a problem?

I say it all the time, but this forum is fantastic. Thanks all for paying attention to me and my car!

1) As long as it's an A body manifold, it will clear your steering with no issues. Unsure which year exactly they went to the larger port surface, but '73-'74 is a ballpark figure- I know for sure they were present on '75s, have one sitting in my garage.
2) Looking around to see what's available (lots of things out of stock right now...), something like the Fel-Pro MS90460 or similar should work.
PLYMOUTH Fel-Pro MS90460 Fel-Pro Exhaust Manifold Gaskets | Summit Racing
@66signet 's suggestion above- doubling up on the gasket (you'll have two anyway) can also work if you need a hair more clearance. I'm not fond of doubling them up, but you gotta do what you gotta do!
3) Shouldn't be a problem.