Russ I kept the cast iron manifolds and had a friend bend the pipes for me. He used what he called a California turbo muffler. It is built like a stock muffler in width but is about half the length. It has a deep sound and looks stock. As you stated it all depends on what you like on your car. Keep at it Russ.Each to his own. It is a matter of what a person like or don't. I am not going to run headers on the 383 figure it breath's well enough. Header's are a pain and always having to do something to them. But that is just me. They leak and move too much for my liking for a driver. Would have them if racing and wanted more air flow through the motor. Mid range in take is good and the four barrel will be fine. Looking for dependability in the long run. A driver with a good sound and enough power to say I have a mopar.
Same on my Duster.