I didn't touch the #1 tube, it was only #3 and #5 I had to clearance for the head.
I did jack the driver side of the engine up a couple inches, made it a bit easier to get that side in but still not that bad. It honestly looks a lot closer to the steering box than it actually is. I know the early A-bodies are narrower so it's likely you might have to clearance it a bit there. I personally don't mind denting headers because coatings are kinda overrated IMHO and Engine Masters proved denting your headers robs zero power.