In regards to headers, I would recommend doing it and getting it done. They really aren't that bad to install. Unless you plan on going turbo, you're never going to max out headers, and they are cheaper and more effective than any combination of manifold/downpipe setup you can buy. The hardest part about doing my headers was sliding them together only because I didn't have a tool to increase the diameter of the crossover pipe.
Also, do you scan for KR? If not, there's a cheap way to do it which uses an Android phone with the app 'Torque' and the ELM 327 OBDII Bluetooth transceiver.