That tube makes it a major PITA with the HO manifolds. I took mine off. Attach the battery cable to the starter and leave it loose. Work the starter up into position and install one bold with just a few threads to hold the starter up. Then tighten the 5/8" nut that holds the two wires to the large stud. Make sure the cables don't come into contact with the manifold or block. Is your car a 4-speed? Oh boy, those are even more fun! To me it looks like the starter and wiring was designed to be installed with the harnesses, starter and all attached to the engine before it was mated to the trans and dropped onto the frame especially 4-speeds! They are a royal bitch to get in there without twisting the cables and/or breaking the terminals that's why I say leave the 5/8" nut loose until you have the starter in position. You can get a 3/8" drive 5/8" socket in there from the front with a couple 6" extensions to tighten it. Just what I found to work for me and save time and frustration not to mention battery cables and wiring harnesses.
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