[Frankenstang65]

The stock headers on the late model 302 do tend to stick out a little further from the heads than a bunch of other header choices, just because they were designed with a different engine bay in mind. I don't know first-hand whether or not they would fit, but I'm almost positive that they wont. Most (in fact, everyone I've seen) that do the 5.0 swap in the early stangs end up using aftermarket headers because the stock ones are pretty restrictive when it comes to overall flow.

You definitely do not HAVE to go with the try-y's. Hedman, JBA, Hooker, etc, all make headers (both shorty and full length) for the 289/302's that are designed for the early engine bay. And most of them, aren't too bad as far as expense is concerned, the benefits surely outweigh the costs. You'll be limited somewhat by the tranny you are currently running, but nevertheless, there are a TON of options in that department. Pick a set you like and that fit your budget, and keep in mind ground clearence issues if you run full length and plan on dropping the car.

Hopefully that answers your question..good luck with it