I sound like a broken record with my posts but again after spending considerable time reading every thread I could find on my question, I find myself needing some clarity before moving forward, this time with the exhaust components. I'm gonna break it down in 3 parts, A, B, and C, which match the picture I'm attaching:

vnue9qZh.jpg
For reference, I have a 347 SBF from BluePrint and the 302 SS 4-port headers from FFR with ball collector (FFR Part 16757)

A) Engine to Headers
Seems like this one is truly a divisive topic, with 49% of people doing gasket and no RTV, 49% doing RTV no gasket, and 2% going gasket and RTV. I felt pretty good going with the Remflex #3028 gasket and not RTV, but after testing the Mr. Gasket ones that came with the FFR kit against the BluePrint engine, I'm worried if the shape of the ports just won't give me a good seal and I have to go with RTV.

Here's a picture of the gasket placed against the exhaust port. Is this difference in shape OK and can I proceed with the Remflex gasket?
PGni4VRh.jpg

There also seems like most people had issues with the bolts here and that the best options are from Stage 8, Percy's Vibe Lock, and ARP. I can't find Percy's anymore and too many people complain about the pain in the *** that Stage 8s are. One of the things I'm trying to understand is if the PITAs are the half-moon ones and not the tear-drop ones. Does anyone have any experience with these?

Lastly on this, what type of anti-seize or thread locker to use on these header bolts. The engine has aluminum heads and looks like Stage 8s and ARP bolts are stainless steel, do I use anti-seize or RTV or thread locker on these? If anti-seize only (which is what makes sense to me), can I use the standard Permatex #80XXX or is a nickel-based one needed?


B) Header to Ball Collector
I believe I saw some people also using Stage 8 here and not the FFR hardware? Any recommendation on bolt and thread sealant?


C) Ball Collector to Pipes
Similarly to A, I'm finding the same debate whether to use Remflex #8023 gasket, or RTV, or both, which bolts to use, and finding conflicting comments on anti-seize vs thread lockers. Some have also mentioned doing a double nut with one of them being brass to have different thermal expansion.


I know my posts are long and with many questions, but thank you to all that take the time to read and answer.