[68 P.O.S.]

If you buy cheap $99 headers, then every bad thing you've heard about headers WILL happen to you. If you buy good headers, which are pricey, you'll have no more problems than you would with stock manifolds. A thick header flange is key. For a stock engine, stock manifolds are perfectly fine. If you decide on headers, get a set of tri-y's. They build power down low, where it will be useful on a daily driver or towing rig. The 4 into 1 headers make their power in the higher rpm range, not where you do most of your driving. Splurge for ceramic coated if your wallet can accommodate that. But again, stock manifolds are just fine on a stock engine. Even upgrading to the 2-1/2" Corvette manifolds won't do much for a stock engine, other than make it a pain in the @$$ to route your exhaust and mount your accessories.