Finally decided on a cam for teen SB. Should I bother with header?

Headers aside, the right cam does wonders even if the static comp ratio is low.
Comp Cams has a line design for use with exhaust manifolds.
Food for thought......

Whe headers do help with power from the bottom of the rpm scale to the top, I find your own words working against myself recomending them.
A torque converter with more stall is an excellent idea!