I finally found time to pressure check my headers. I found both sides were leaking. I removed them and found cracks at the welds in the collector area. I had them welded and they now pressure check good. The welder used a high nickel content rod which will allow for better expansion and contraction. Time will tell. The pressure test can be done in just minutes while the headers are still installed so I'll be checking them often. Thanks for the advice!

please tell how you pressure checked your headers I need to check a pair of lightning headers, I have very similiar symptoms. thank you

Make Sure You Change The Oil....