"muffler back system?" That's just tailpipes, isn't it? I'm not sure what you mean by that...

Anywho...for comparison I just got a whole system custom bent about 6 months ago for my Bird. 68 Convertible 400 clone. I towed my car to the shop with nothing but bare log manifolds installed.

Asked for 2.5" aluminized pipes all the way from my log manifolds to the tail pipe, full duals, H-pipe, run thru the driveshaft opening to save ground clearance, with convertible X-brace in place (very tight fit...not easy), a pair of Thrush mufflers (generic Flowmaster 40 copies) in front of the axle, then tailpipes bent over the axle and out the rear in the stock locations between quarter panels and leaf springs. Shop did crush bent pipes, fully welded system. I even had a drop crossmember in the way for them to work around...no problem...just took a few more bends.

I paid $267.50 including all parts/tax/labor, installed while I watched and waited for a few hours one morning. Complete system front to rear.

I'm very satisfied. Perfect/show quality? No. Solid, functional, good performance, good sound, decent looking, and worth the money I spent? Absolutely. Considering it's hard to PURCHASE an entire front to rear system for much less than $400 to $500, and then I'd have to install it myself...it was a no-brainer decision for me to pay a shop to provide all parts and labor for 1/2 price...

I see you're in Indiana. Me too. This is probably not right by you, but if you want "good and cheap" it might be worth a roadtrip to north side of Indy. You can stop by my place and see what they did to my car in advance, if you want confirmation of exactly what you'll get.

This shop I used is called "Mufflers & More", 2235 Westfield Rd, Noblesville, IN 46060, 317-896-5868. Good peoples. I've been in and out of there for 15 years getting various exhaust repairs and replacements done on many of my vehicles. Always been satisfied and shocked at their low prices. They're an established shop...

One thing to keep in mind...many people shopping exhaust don't realize the incredible price difference between mandrel bends and crush bends. Expect to 2x the price if you go to a shop that mandrel bends. But crush bends were good enough for me...so if you want cheap, crush is what you gotta settle for. Might be why the shop you mention above wanted $250 for tailpipes only...if they're mandrel bending them, that price might be in line...