I had a 62 Impala with 300 horse 327. My age was 18 so it seemed bigger.
I do remember the oversize pipe was always hitting the floor or the frame, made cool noises for age 18.
My reason for asking, I am building a 56 street driver and was thinking manifolds instead of headers. However, since I am a dye in the oil hot rodder most likely will not want to give up the performance a 2.5 outlet pipe will cause.
This will not be a show or expensive [relatively speaking] street toy. It will be a fun, no frills toy. The plan is a nice 383, 5 or 6 speed manual, front only bench seat, bare bones street hot rod.