Joe: I have an 88 and owned it since 89, I used to believe the same thing in regard to the manual tranny`s as far as the header issue you can put em on if you want? thats your choice! the edelbrocks are 1 5/8 primaries and are around $340 painted, the slp are around $450 and 1 3/4 primaries and are a 409 stainless material(you will need to by the y pipe and do some welding. I have a nice pair of headmans i will sell for $75.00, they are 1 3/4 primaries with 3in collectors(your y pipe will need some welding)! I`am curious as to what manafolds the other members of this thread would recomend?