Wow, a lot of good info!
This is a street car, so the "quiet" of a 2.5" exhaust would be fine as long as it doesn't kill too much power. The exhaust system I have is mandrel bent with an x-pipe and Magnaflows. It sounds like I may stand more to gain by upgrading to the 1 3/4" headers and then maybe upgrading the exhaust pipes later. Funny, this was originally going to be a nice little 302 project, then as soon as I said the word "stroker" my budget went all to crap!!! I may have to go to the sofa cushions for this one!