383 into 73 Dart Sport using exhaust manifolds

I plan on ditching the beat up, nearly closed tube headers someone installed this mess with. I have what appears to be what some call the "logs" and have a source for B Body HP manifolds. I know that those seem to be recommended, but do the "logs" work too? I don't have the budget for the fancy headers, so they are out. I have to pull the engine out anyways, so when it goes back in, here is what I need to know: manifolds on or off during the install? Currently, the steering column was removed, as well as the steering gear box (power). Can those items be installed BEFORE the engine, with the manifolds on? I bought this car in quite a few pieces, and have not yet begun to do any disassembly (much of that was already done). Now I am trying to sort out a practical way of assembly, for when the time comes.