exhaust valve size increase on J head

Yes.. at high RPM, but the port velocity needs to be there.

At any RPM. And engine is an air pump no matter what RPM it's at. 100-10,000 It's all about flow.

But run whatever valves you want. 1.88 intake and whatever exhaust. With stock manifold. On your stroker. Let us know what happens.

Power to yah.