my first mopar, will i love it or hate it?

You can do a B or RB engine with certain exhaust manifolds or headers. At big block .com there is a tech section that explains and shows pictures on how to use cheap headers from other car body line. Then there is TTI headers. Expensive but very well worth the price.

Exhaust pipe up to 3 inch's without issue can be used right to the rear bumper. I'm not certain about there use with in board spring mods.