I was going to turn them 45* out also, but because I'm trying to keep my truck looking stock, I didn't want tail pipes showing. They are tucked up and out of sight.

Speaking of budget build, I bought my trans a year ago. Just recently bought the clutch and stuff for the swap. I'm using old dynomax's that came off a motor home in exchange for glass packs, don't ask me why. The chrome tips were so rusted, I scraped the rust off with a razor blade, then steel wool and polish.

The trans swap was ~$600 spread over almost a year

Exhaust was ~$120, the majority of it being the xpipe. Mufflers were free/traded

Patience pays off. Just keep that test drive in mind, but don't rush.

Last question. Are you leaving the 4 speed pedals in? That'd be trick to drive along one day with a passenger, and press the clutch pedal in "OH NO, my clutch won't disengage!!!" Haha