You can definitely get it done cheaper if you're willing to weld your own exhaust. I did my 2.5" dual exhaust for under $500, and that's with the headers and cats. I could very easily have gotten away with no cats, but I'm trying to be a good neighbor. I did build my own dropped transmission crossmember to fit the exhaust. I used Cherry Bomb Salute mufflers, and they're a bit too loud, but I do plan to finish out the tailpipes at some point, and I think that will help.
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Also, if you ever plan on welding roll cages or anything structural, get a 240v welder. I have a Miller 211, and it can run on either 110v or 220v, which is supremely handy when your friend across town needs some welding on the window net anchor tabs on his track toy Miata, but his garage doesn't have 220v.