Mini Starter and headers

I got ready to install Hedman headers onto a 1975 360ci in a 1967 Valiant with power steering. Exhaust pipes not yet installed. I removed the drag link, transmission cooling lines and starter. I jacked up the car to a point were the front bumper was about 32" off the garage floor then jacked up motor to a point the distributor, without the cap, was touching the firewall. Attempted to install the drivers side but could not get the front pipe to fit between the block and the power steering gear assy. I tried for about an hour using different angles even came to A Body Forums for help but could not get headers installed.
I decided to install the new mini starter but the solenoid part of the starter hit the block before being able to seat the starter and install the upper bolt.
I reinstalled parts removed. Put everything back as it was.
This has not been good the last few weeks. The speedometer cable won't fit far enough in to fasten the nut at the transmission and can't seem to get the Lokar kickdown cable to attach correctly.
Any comments could be useful to aid an old man in his quest.