Exhaust opinions / Mandrel bent 2.5 or 3" / Input?

Sounds like a neat project. I'd go with the 2.5" tubes. While everyone thinks 3" pipe are cool, they weigh a little more and don't fit as well. Also, I would make sure that nothing, NOTHING is welded unless absolutely necessary. I work part time in a muffler shop and you can't believe how many classic muscle cars I see with rusted exhaust. (Rust always starts where the pipes are welded). Regular muffler clamps work great and you can rotate stuff to adjust it. If you can afford it, tti and other exhaust companies make these really cool "band" type clamps. Once installed you can hardly see them!!

Anyway...you asked!!!

Jerome