stupid question of the day about exhausts

I think the sound will change some. It's all personal preference if you like it not. As long as you buy a quality header you won't have to worry about header leaks. Hell even with a cheap header and a set of remflex gaskets I'll bet leaks won't be an issue.

X2 on the Remflex gaskets.
I run Hedmans and the gaskets are solid and sealed even with a busted off rear stud.