Exhausted

[SeriesLandy]

Hi guys.
I'm at the stage where I need an exhaust, I'm still contemplating a few options but don't know which route to go.
I'm only looking to keep the pinto engine about a year after iva so I don't see the point in spending the money on a stainless exhaust (and I can't tig)

My main question is do I use the stock manifold which goes 4-2 then I would need a 2-1 and use some bends to get it out the side panel
Or do I make a 4-1 manifold from the block to the exhaust?
Where is the best place for cheap decent quality mandrel bends.
Also any ideas what I would need, would 4x 180 and 4x 90 be enough (as mentioned on here before).
Lastly I'm assuming the final size depends on the exhaust (which I don't have yet) and the starting size 1.5inch to match the ports?

Hope that's not too much to answer.
Steve