[dwmilton]

Hi all, I'm new to your family. I'm prepping to buy a 78 Pontiac G-body, and am analyzing (emphasis on ANAL) what to do about the exhaust. Money IS an issue, but I can take my time on this, buying a piece at a time if needed. The car has a 301, but will get a 400 shortly after I buy it. There is no catalytic on it presently, so that's not a problem. I'll try to "Reader's Digest" my questions: single, full dual (with X), or single-to-dual (split dual?) system?, headers or manifolds?, what's best for the $$? Is it easy/cheap to have a local muffler shop (or me) bend/cut the crossmember for duals if I do go with headers? If I keep it a single exhaust, would I be giving up much by running a 3" system, rather than 2 1/2" duals? I want the car to have good power, but look mainly stock to a casual observer, and keep the sound reasonable. On one hand I'd love nothing more than to just buy an aftermarket crossmember, a set of headers, and a full "Pypes" system with the GN type exits; however I don't know the money could be justified over a big single system, or a split dual system, or "modifying" the OE crossmember. I hope this all makes sense, I really value any input you guys and gals can offer. Basically I'm trying to justify the expense of each part of the system.