I remembered the two outer pipes are not evenly spaced as I read your post. Sucks. I think I'll buy someones long tubes make my cuts, tack and have someone finish them up. Then get them coated.
Finding quality LS1 s10 swap headers is a pain. I was thinking of buying some proven Gen 1 Chevy headers (long tube) cutting off the flanges and welding on some LS1 flanges. Any thoughts?
Id start with taking it to someone else that you trust...not that dealership. An individual cylinder compression test is in order. You could just have a bad/worn valve seal also.
This guy has some decent stuff...hope this helps.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/parts-classifieds/1264067-tons-parts-nitrous-stb-walbro-ftra-rims-battery-rel-etc-etc.html
I agree 100%...could have been a pivotal point in the aggressors life had he been warned though. And Im not saying that he wasn't, because I dont know.