can someone assure me that i'm correct in saying the stock-type exhaust manifold gasket will not work with headers(pacesetter longtubes).

 

They'll work, you just have to snip the ends.

 

snip the ends and make new holes correct?
parts guys don't know what they're talking about... he was convinced it was exactly the same as a header gasket and would fit, but i was sure it wouldn't fit directly in. all in all... he wouldn't order me a header gasket because " if you can't get that to fit, you won't be able to get the header gasket in"

 

Pretty much. The OEM has a pair of "hooks" on the end, and the header gasket has holes drilled closer to the outer primaries. Other that that all the holes and ports are identical.