do i really need 3" exhaust

I built a 440 and used 3" exhaust on the street one time and will likely not go thru the trouble or expense again. Didn't run or sound any better in my opinion. So in my case I feel I was just suckered into the hype. I did have to find out for myself though. I now consider it overkill and a waste of money. Not to mention adds more weight to a car that I had bought lightweight parts for. Makes no sense.
If I was ever to use 3" pipes again and that is a unlikely if. It would be on a blown big block that was to be run on the street that I was trying to keep the noise level down on.
Race cars are not considered in my opinion here as they would have unflanged collectors or no collectors at all, you know zoomies.
I have also been accused of being a old fossil more than once. LOL.
Your results may vary.