i tried taking off my starter today to read the date code, only to find out the headers that were installed by the previous owner wrap around the starter so i can't get the top bolt off...is taking off and putting back on one of the headers on a 67 289 a big job? or is it a 123 job?

 

Well that depends on the bolts, the headers and your patience. If you intend to remove them totally it may be a chore. I know my bolts on my 302 came right out, but I didn't try to undo the collector flange bolts, which may be rusted.

I would try it early in the day and have the replacement gaskets ready and buy some penetrating oil like AeroKroil or PB Blaster and soak the flange bolts the night before.
I am sure others can lend more to this than I can.

 

should be easy. get PB blaster and let all the bolts soak for about an hour before you try to loosen them

 

You can get it out with the right tools and enough cussing. The easy part is getting it out. Getting it back and threaded back in is the fun part. I'd still go that route before removing the headers though.