[quote=LugnutzWow, I guess I assumed too much. So if I take my truck to a muffler shop, won't they use a machine to bend pipe the same way? Won't it look the same?
Cost is a factor at this stage because I've never driven the truck with this engine and I am assuming that it will run fine and I'll be satisfied. I've spent lots of time and effort on it, but thankfully, not a lot of cash.
I'd like to get this truck on the road with an exhaust that works, period. If I lose a few horsepower I guess I won't cry about it. I think this whole exhaust system from the manifold back will be just under $150 if I stay with this plan.
I'm a novice. Help me please. [/quote]
A typical muffler shop would use a bender that will crush bend the tubing, it would have smooth bends, but @ the bends the ID will be smaller, hence loosing flow, having ribs in the bends will flow worse because it disturbs the exhaust flow.
A high end muffler/exhaust shop will have a mandrel bending machine.
Or they stock/or will order mandrel bent pieces & weld them together.
Like I said, your piping will work fine for you, it's just not optimal.
The way I think is, if there is a way to improve flow, make more power than stock, better mileage, I always try to do it.
It can be a simple mismatch of the exhaust manifold outlet to your new pipe that bolts to the manifold.
The manifold outlet will be smaller than your new exhaust pipe.
Make it bigger to match your new pipe.
Any lumps/bumps or casting flaws that you can see that could imped exhaust flow, port match it & remove the flaws w/a porting tool.
All these little things, attention to detail will all add up to equal more power, better mileage, etc.
Of course when there is not much funds to improve things, you sort of get stuck with what you can do or get by with.
If you want a little bit of rumble with a muffler.
Get as long of a muffler you can possibly fit, that is a performance muffler, usually the longer = quieter.
Some type of Hemi muffler they are called.
If you just want a totally stock sounding super quiet muffler, & super restrictive, look for some type of OEM replacement, or as suggested a Walker muffler.
These look interesting. http://www.dynomax.com/mufflers/dynomax-vt-mufflers
MBHD 
