In this case a slip fit connection would be well worth the money.
Just for the sake of explaining I attached a picture.


BTW, I found these on summitracing but you can buy them at Autozone for like $3.99
Go get yourself a reducer thst will fit over the front header collector right before its flare that is made for the dougnut and it will fit inside the cross over pipe.
Cut the front header right where the flare starts so you can slip the reducer over the front header collector.
Then cut off the ball flange on the cross over pipe and just lipe the reducer inside the cross over pipe, use torca clamps and clamp it down.
Basically you making the connection like the SLP headers.
Although you don't need the O2 bung I attached this pic to show you how to cut the sides so the the clamp will crush fit the reducer and you will also need to make the same cuts in the cross over.
I think this is the best and cheapest methode of getting out of your situation.
if I were local to you, I'd do it for you, I have no fear when it comes to modifications...
