[fleming23]

Your cam is going to play a larger role in how it sounds than anything else. Headers will not drastically change your sound either (or not from one particular brand or size to another.) If you want a real choppy sound do a true dual exhaust with no X or H pipe and some sort of chambered muffler (aka Flowmaster, etc.) and turn downs just after the muffler.

As with anything performance related you typically have to make sacrifices for one thing to improve the other. Sound does not necessarily = performance. Flowmasters sound good but are restrictive compared to an XR-1, RacePro or Magnaflow style muffler.

My suggestion is for you to get a 3" mandrel bent system with a quality H or X pipe and a decent set of flow-through mufflers. This will give you the best of both worlds. The 3" exhaust will be generally louder than a 2.5" system, especially at WOT. The X pipe will give you better flow and will not restrict your horsepower. Most big blocks are going to sound good regardless unless you just have a super docile cam in the thing.

Just my opinion.

Regarding the headers, how much do you have budgeted? Some cost significantly more than others. I put Doug's D316 1 7/8" Headers on my 496 and they fit very snug but did not require any denting of tubes for clearance. There are other less expensive options that get generally good reviews such as Hedman. Hooker's have the tendency to hang lower than others so keep that in mind when making your final decision.