The new header gaskets that have a metalic look to them,I believe called Permaseal are very good for long life.I run them on my truck,theyve been in 4 5 months with no prob.,and my buddy put them in his ford 2 yrs ago with great mileage to date.As to the learning issue,you gotta do it 4 yourself.I rebuilt my first engine when I was 11,and 1 step at a time,learned more as time passed.Grab some literature and git-r-done man.Sounds like you have the smarts 4 it!  

Actually, as far as headers go, I have the Edelbrock TES system on my Camaro.  Its actually EASIER to change the plugs on it.  The old manifolds went OVER the spark plugs.  These allow you to get right to them.

I've also had mine on since 2003...no problems with sealing.

I can't really say anything about how hard or easy they were to install...because I installed them when I was also doing some work to the cylinder heads (too bad I was too stubborn to listen to people saying the 305 is a dog and should be replaced...would have been more money for something worth while).  So I didn't have any of the accesories on when I installed them.  So it was very easy for me