yes, the large oval baseplate on the 440-6, 426-8 and other shaker systems, was indeed a problem for the 2-speed wiper motor, and a/c compressor. some of them resulted in a notched baseplate to make them play nicely together. most shakers with baseplate included rallye dash and 3-speed wiper motor, presenting less an issue to the baseplate.
As such, A/C was NOT an option on some of those car/engine combinations.
for those with limits, without high ambitions and deep pockets, the 426 was the best horsepower, and several of those owners didn't want an A/C system slurping away horsepower from the motor. so it was a win-win in many cases.