I think that alot of people are using 2 1/4" pipe these days, if you go too big, you could lose some low end torque. As far as Flowmasters being out of the question, you can get the 40 series for around $60 in summit. I got my 40 series for $40 at a local shop, and it sounds great, a nice rumble at idle and highway speed, but when I floor it, it doesn't get obnoxiously loud like glass packs do.