headers

So I know this is a dead horse but...

After reading several threads regarding A bodies and the fitment of headers,it seems to me that there is only one real choice available to us as A body owners.And that is TTI or CPPA(same thing).Now the fact that there is only one really good header that fits is probably why they cost $700 and even so not everyone is a fan of tti's.Well,you cant please everyone.

So heres what I want to know.

Has anyone tried making thier own headers and what results did you get?What sort of kit did you use(if any) and where did you get it?

Has anyone tried O ringing around the exhaust ports and using copper gaskets?

How about the flowmaster ball and socket connecters? Has anyone tried these and what results have you had?I have a set of these and they seem to be very well made,but I just havent got around to it yet..

There are several types of locking bolts on the market for headers.Do they help?