Shorty headers

Here's the reason that I posted this question. I have the aluminum Edelbrock heads, which were advertised (at the time, anyway) to be compatible with headers or stock manifolds. Due to the design of the driver's side manifold, it doesn't clear the head where it curls under. I have had it assembled when it was rebuilt, and to clear the area in question I had to add a header flange between the head and the manifold. It's already tight in the engine bay with the manifolds, and this just creates another clearance issue with installation of the engine. It also increases the chances of exhaust leaks, since the need gaskets between the head and the flange, and again between the flange and the manifold. I don't have any creature comforts like power steering or power brakes, so I don't have that issue to be concerned with. I have been in contact with an engineer from Edelbrock about grinding some from the head, but according to him, that's an area of the water jacket, and the amount that I could remove is minimal. I don't want to grind much from the manifold, since they are in excellent condition, and I believe that the area where the manifold is contacting the head is already pretty thin.

So, short of the flange idea, can anyone here offer any other solutions?

Thanks!