Yeah, I'd say these were leaking:
Garbage.
All new studs installed after chasing all of the threads in the head with a tap. I didn't end up installing any time-serts; looks like the stud on the #5 that ripped some thread out was just really not in enough.
Not garbage:
Note that multiple parts of the trans housing were clearanced with a die grinder. I also realized that the heat shielding over the passenger side lollipop was in contact with the header and stretched it out of the way.
I didn't get any photos of the new Section 1 pipes but they're a
lot nicer to install. They have built-in clamps and slide over the header tubing rather than using those stupid doughnut gaskets and compression fittings. Oddly, the car is a bit quieter than it was. I guess a lack of exhaust leaks and thicker tubing has that effect.
Note for future SuperSprint stepped header installers: they
cannot go in from the top. From the bottom, hang the front section on the studs first, then the back section, then add nuts. They actually go in pretty cleanly from underneath.