In my opinion...
If you are looking to get every last bit of power out of your engine ABOVE 5000 RPM then long tubes are the way to go.
If you are looking for more power in the 2000-5000 RPM range, where it's more usable for daily street driving, then the JBA Cat4ward headers do a pretty good job. Several of the header companies make headers that all look alike. JBA, Gibson, BBK, Dougs.. etc.
JBA Headers and Exhaust System Give This 5.3L V8 a Power Upgrade
https://www.offroadxtreme.com/engin...ust-system-give-this-5-3l-v8-a-power-upgrade/
Whatever you go with make sure you get ceramic coated and I would also suggest getting a good set of locking header bolts. I went with the Stage 8 locking header bolts found here...
https://www.stage8.com/product/8900-chevrolet-ls1-ls2-ls6-header-bolt-kit/
I purchased mine on Ebay for like $20 though.
Also you need to be cautious when choosing a camshaft. You need to figure out how YOU drive and where YOU want more power.
Keep in mind that these are big heavy trucks and you don't want to sacrifice a bunch of low end torque for the high end horsepower or else it will feel sluggish in normal everyday driving.
Also if you choose too big of a cam you will need to install a different torque converter to really take advantage of the power band.
This is all just my opinion... I am certain others will chime in as well.
Just FYI you CAN get long tube headers with an aftermarket Y-pipe that has cats in them... but all of that will cost substantially more obviously.