Are long tube headers worth it?

[mike's1965]

I have a 1968 C10 396 310 gross HP engine I swapped in my 65C10, 15 years ago, it may be stock, or it might have a cam, has some lope.

About to add on BBC Edelbrock Pro Flo 4 multi port fuel injection on it.

It has exhaust manifolds and dual pipes I got with engine out of a 1974 C10, it works but looks like smog era stuff, there are pipe plugs blocking off the smog pump tubes in manifolds.

I just spent 2 grand on the Edelbrock injection, at this point I think swapping to a LS engine is off the table, I'm committed to Big block Chevy.

Was planning on buying Hooker coated long tube headers for big block 67-72 trucks, about 480, plus other exhaust stuff, probably new pipes, and new Hooker Aerochamber mufflers.

Thinking of using the high quality clamps to button everything up, the newer type that are like a roll of sheet metal, as I don't weld, and have read these work pretty good for building your own exhaust.

The exhaust I have works, but is kind of ugly, the 1974 C10 the pipes ran straight back, but using them on the 1965, there was room issues with the rear arms that work with the coil springs, so I pointed the pipes out to blow out in front of the rear tires.

The mufflers are what seems to be Dynomaxx super turbo mufflers, those are what were in the way of those spring arms, if I recall, this swap was over 15 years ago.

This 396 is not that powerful, but maybe headers will help.

Worse case I have to take it to exhaust shop and have a dual exhaust put on.

The Edelbrock kit also has a brand new distributor that I can play with timing with the tablet via Bluetooth from in the cab of truck, or walking around truck.

Also it self tunes, but you can tweak timing, fuel stuff, etc and make changes, and instantly go take a test run, over and over, without popping hood.

This is what made me ditch the idea of LS swap, but actually after purchasing I found out they make kits for LS as well.

My main goal is for the truck to just start up everytime, not stink of nasty rich gas, and run as good as possible for what it is.

If it gets better MPG that is a plus, but it's a big block with TH400 and 3.73 gears, so I'm being realistic.

What do you think of doing Hooker ceramic coated headers and new exhaust?