big block and column shift

i used the original exhaust manifold for a few reasons, i wanted the car to sound original ( the 4bbl is the only thing that you'll hear when you see me pull away ), the car looks like a sleeper ( no emblems, bench seats and column shift ), keeps a nice stock looking appearance, and lastly my buddy who owns a large muffler and has been bending pipes for 30 years, says that for most driving on the street, you can't beat H.P. factory manifolds, headers always eventually cause you grief! With that said, of course headers will get me more power, but doesn't a 383 4bbl sleeper Barracuda solve most power needs anyway.