[LH Lead-Foot]

For a stock engine on a budget now, stock cast iron manifold are sold by Hooker and come close to shorty headers. The SSR, Ascender, H3 , Envoy, Rainier and others share an OEM manifold. It allows for choosing the route around the transmission and ground clearance. I just found the Speed Engineering SS shorty header affordable while looking nice for an LS Swap to make a 51 year old classic Bowtie pickup interesting. I just wish I had my wallet from the Dealership days. The flat rate was $6 an hour in a town that was 30 miles from the city when I started wrenching. Many moons ago.
The DBW does present a problem for an throttle valve or detent cable. I approach is a bracket at the pedal. Using proper geometry, the little movement found on DBW throttle a challenge but I will using a simple extended lever that pivots at the throttles shaft. I will provide photos when I get there as I plan to have something anyone could do while having a friendly cable installing from the engine side. I fabricated a cable operated HVAC distribution box in two pieces for under-dash A/C. The heater core is held in place with two screws and a single panel on the engine side. I can remove the heater core in 3 minutes. Blower box, evaporator inside, going thru heater core and vacuum control hot coolant supply.
This not a toy or race car, just the last daily driver I will own. Thanks to all who responded, but will still take info with photos. Blessings to all who get their hands dirty...and like it, while they know why!