If it were me, I'd get the headers blasted (or wire brush them) and then paint em with the good stuff and I would know for sure they were done right.

If you don't coat em, you can get the header wrap which will also help with the heat from the exhaust.

I used this for about 2 years and it held up quite well... But I liked the clean look much better after I got them coated.

You will have to have the exhaust re worked to fit to the headers, and have the collector flanges welded to the exhaust to mate up to the header collectors. (stock manifolds have the pipes come up to meet them, where the headers come down and further back to meet the exhaust pipes) So this may be an issue for installation? You may have to cut the pipes to get the headers in, and or have a shop do the cutting/welding and maybe install the headers all at once? Unless you have access to a welder and can do all of it yourself?

Something to look into before you start?

Good luck - let us know the outcome!

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!