opinions on hooker headers

Uhhhhh Ohhhh!

I have a scatter shield but not sure that it is Lakewood or not. I know it's definitely not stock. And I thought I was all in the clear.

Yep. There are NO headers made by anyone that will fit ALL possible combinations of bellhousings, oil pans, starters, etc. You'll still find that you have to grind, tweek, or otherwise "adjust" something.