Ok, the only thing my brain just keeps going to is BIGGER IS BETTER. I want it to flow as best as it can, even though my setup isnt crazy. Did they use headers on the race hipo/d-dart 273's???
Yes. The original version of the Dougs headers were used.
I say this with all the love I can. Understand I don't know how to sugar coat stuff.
Get your head outta your *** and stop worrying about every last little bit man. It's not a race car. You're not competing with it. Can you AFFORD 1K for headers? In your situation, they will not add an amount appreciable enough to warrant that type of expenditure. Period.
Look, you will be MUCH happier with the permanence of manifolds. They last forever. A good set of HP manifolds will be ALL you ever need. Don't get caught up in all the BS forum hype. It's just not true. Keep it simple man. You will be glad you did.