No worries, HR Lincoln. Headers aren't for everybody. There is a little more that has to be done for life with headers, but they're not impossible. Some folks don't like to mess with them and that's okay.
However, log-style manifolds do not flow well. They cause reversion and the exhaust gasses have to be forced out by the cylinder. However, some were better than others. Rams horn manifolds weren't as bad as log manifolds, and Mopar always did a pretty good job with some of their manifolds. That's the same thing basically that Sanderson does for their iron headers. Basically, they're just iron manifolds...except that they are molded into a cast iron header. You get the benefits of a header with the benefits of a manifold, so for folks that don't like to mess with headers, Sandersons would be an excellent option.
However, they are not ideal either. And headers do not have to be perfectly tuned length either. It's better if they are, but most of them make compromises.
As far as sealing headers, there is a procedure for success with headers. You have to tighten them periodically because the heat cycling will loosen them. After a couple of months, you can either take them out and put thread locker on the bolts and reinsert them, or use a few other types of bolts that are available. One of the most popular uses a metal fitting that holds the bolt in place against the side of the header, and that fitting is held in place with a simple clip. Or ARP sells header bolts that are drilled for safety wire. Before locking them down, you still have to tighten them as they go through their heat cycling for a couple of months. Then you should have no problems.
Bodega, I'll get to your question in my next post.
