Hey Sierra Storm, welcome to the forum! Love the question, surely we all have some things we wish we would have done differently... I for one, have several... which is why I love helping to consult people new to the platform.
As you may know, there are more ways to mess your car up than not... and the paths to success are narrow when it comes to parts selection, installers and tuners.
In general, you are on the right track starting with headers (lots of caveats here also) Also understand the reluctance to opening the motor, although the benefits it provides are second to none when it comes to making efficient power and adding that visceral choppy idle...
That said, PM sent, happy to jump on a call to discuss in more detail (besides I am a slow typer)
