For the most part, headers are okay if power increase is what you're after. The suggestion to use "long branch" manifolds is "solid". With some port work, they will out-perform "cheap" headers.
If you're determined to use headers, DO NOT buy them based on "ease of installation". Seldom are the "good" headers "easy". 1st gen 'birds aren't too bad, though, at least compared to other brands (like Camaro...). Headers are installed for power, not for "easy".
For a more serious approach to performance, high quality 4-tube headers can't be "beat". For "out of the box" fit and finish, Hooker is the best, "hands down". They're a bit bulky so sometimes, there's ground clearance issues. Mad Dog is another brand becoming more popular. We have several customers using them and zero complaints. They "fit" and have good tubing length and consistency. They offer a bit more ground clearance, as well. Doug's is another popular brand that DOES make power.
Which ever direction you decide to go, manifolds or headers, buy them "bare" (uncoated) and send them to a coating shop. The ceramic coating applied by header companies is "short-lived". We've seen them rust out in less than 2 years. We send them to Thermal Tech in Hopewell, Virginia, to have a "thermal barrier" applied. Thermal Tech is also a Doug's dealer. They offer an "iron colored" coating for the manifolds, too. Jet Hot and Swain are two other companies that come to mind. This will protect your "investment" better than any other method.
