I'm a little stupefied at the lack of options for our early As. However, I'm thankful for all the responses.
It certainly looks like an easier application without power steering. But I'd like to repeat that I can't really do without power steering because I'm what you might call weak due to a pretty serious illness. I'm not whining - I just really need my p/s and p/b. I originally had the car with standard brakes and standard steering but it was just way too difficult and little unsafe on the road. So I spent a ton of money getting nice parts and having them rebuilt. I'd hate to do away with all that work.
I'm a bit worried about the prospect of cutting into the head or manifold with a grinder. Also, I have every intention of keeping the 273 whole and rebuilding it. If I modify the manifold too much I fear it will come back to haunt me. The heads I found are currently with the machinist. They are J-type heads. The engine is out of the bay and that will help to make sure its as safe as possible. If I do go with the 273 manifolds and grinding a bit, does anyone have a line on exactly which gaskets to use?