1979 el camino: will a hood from a 1987 monte carlo fit the elco?

hood should bolt right on. they are both 'g-bodies'. and used the same hoods from 1978 - 1987.

headers aren't that hard to put in, especially since you don't have to worry about O2 sensors, etc.

Elco Chev

No. Hoods are diff in those year ranges on those cars.

1978-80 is same, then 81-88. So to only ones that will fit your '79 is a 78, 79, or 80

Headers on that car is pretty simple to install. If using short tube headers IIRC both headers will go in from top down, if using long tubes I think it easier to install one from under car, up. I just can't remember which side goes in from top and which one from bottom. (I'm wanting to say it's the pass side thats easier to put in from under car and up, due to the heater/AC box on firewall)