David,
I think we all understand the lack of $$$ to do what we want.
As for your header question, it will definitely give you a boost over the standard exhaust manifolds. It's up to you to decide if maybe 10-20 HP is worth it.
Another thing I will throw out to you is if you buy plain headers(cheap), you will have some heat under your hood. It might not be much with a small block, but the headers from my 440 when I first bought it, cooked me. I had a hot foot if I drove it an hour.
I suggest ceramic coating to keep it cooler. Yes, that is what the TTI's have, but I bought my Hedman's from these people that do it right as far as coating goes. Maybe they ship worldwide.
jet-hot.com Mike