Stock exhaust manifolds vs headers

Not much, headers are an arguable mod on a mild V8's, that's why said the OP the only one that can answer it what does he value more $$$$ or a header on his car with probably very little performance gain.
It really depends on the person for some the cost doesn't matter others it does.
The OP said he wanted a 4bbl intake & carb with a mild cam, whatever that means. What I've read the /6 would do well with a smaller Carter style carb than 600cfm. I would probably go with a 500CFM AVS2. Smaller is almost always better. The cam could be the key to what he wants out of the car.