My 428 engine from my '68 Firembird is rebuilt and out of my car. The exhaust manifolds are cracked and need replacing. My intent is to install Headers as I believe finding exhaust manifolds for the 428 I have will be challanging?

I am concerned about the Headers as they may possibly hang lower than the stock manifolds and ultimately cause an issue bottoming out/dragging?
My suspension was to be replaced this winter, but issues with the engine have postponed this project until, likely, next winter. There is a propensity to bottom out, but if this occurrs it is usually the tires and wheel wells.

I'm concerned about throwing down $750 for Ceramic coated headers ande having them beat to hell. Also, if they drag, will I now have sealing issues which may require remounting and replacing gaskets?

A temporary solution I thought of would be to buy cheap $200 Headers as sacraficial to see how they perform and next seaon make the determination based on this summer's performance, coupled with an updated suspension, installing the high performance Headers?