This is my first time installing headers...  so do I need special bolts, doesn't look like my studs will work.  Also is the metal side of the gasket supposed to go against the header or the block?  If I need bolts where is a good source to get them fast?

Normally header gaskets are make out of the thick paper type material.  I haven't had good luck getting headers to seal on the stock metal/fiber type gaskets.

Do I need to order gaskets for headers?  The ones I got came from the Fel Pro kit from Summit.

just put the ones you have in for now, but bring the other set to parker you may need them. i blow out header gaskets from time to time, so i keep extras

Bassett reccomends putting RTV on the gasket to help seal it.  Has anyone tried this?  Would you use the black kind?

Use the copper-based orange RTV.

Now I'm thinking to just run my logs and snails for Parker.  I need to break in my cam and messing with water set up seems a bit much.  Hopefully it will run OK because I had the cam made for an engine with headers.
I think I will make the change after then next gasket blows. I go thru a few each season too.

metal side goes toward heads. run the engine through a complete heat cycle and then retorque the header bolts after cool down. I followed this and no leaks or loose bolts. I plan to run copper when I change headers, but the paper/metal gasket came with the rebuild kit so I used them.

oh sh** went out and looked at mine and metal is against header! I said it wrong doh!  This is what the builder told me, metal against header. I just had a brain fart in previous post! Meds must be kickin in.

your gaskets should only fit on one way and it wont matter what side faces the block and what side faces the header. both gaskets will be the same one has to be reversed to fit the other side. I used the copper rth with mine when installing them. i got chrome allen bolts from fastenal and i got compression washers to make sure they dont rattle lose. i have not fired the motor up yet with the new exhaust set up. but i dont expect any problems

Nobody ever does!