Headers vs 360 manifolds for 318

Headers will make the engine breath better, even the cheap ones.

I put headers on my first duster, my ex-wife drove it for a daily driver for years, never again on a a-body.
Complete pain in the butt, they were blackjacks, typical cheap headers, beat to fit in place.
Remove to change starter etc, after a few years the drivers side was almost smashed flat from hitting on the road.

When I built my current duster, I used stock 340 manifolds, easy, done.
FYI summits pre-bent header back exhaust fits good if you take your time and trim a few pipes, I used Accurate down pipes to connect to them, all installed on jack stands in my garage.
100% agree. I'm gonna guess you were at stock ride height, too. Either way, for a street/strip or race car, sure. Cruiser? Daily driver? Nope.