Question about new exhaust system & converter

I have a 1995 T100 SR5 extended cab that I bought new. It has lived outside since I bought it and western PA winters can be ugly. So now the exhaust needs replaced again and, unfortunately, this time, so does the catalytic converter. The Toyota pipe section that has the converter sells for $1400+. That's a lot. Plus the section from the cat back.
So...I'm thinking of custom bent pipe with a web-site bought converter and increasing the pipe diameter to 2-1/2". Some comments on this site have mentioned the bigger pipe, not for performance but for sweet sound (and I like the music...so does my dog...not so my wife). Does anyone have experience with custom exhaust for this truck? Any muffler suggestions? (Midas hates me. Too many free mufflers in 13 years. Because they're crap.)

well ive had my 97 t-100 for 10years now and have never replaced anything but i do now have on order a gibson side exit catback system should be here next week ill follow up later.... and for alittle over $200 i hope i made the right choice

No way I'd pay $1400 for any muffler section!

A couple converters available via ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAGNAFLOW-CATALYTIC-CONVERTER-toyota-T100-T-100-93-98_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33629QQihZ013QQitemZ 230234845002QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EASTERN-CATALYTIC-CONVERTER-TOYOTA-PICK-UP-T100-93-97_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247Q QcategoryZ33629QQihZ003QQitemZ130205304890QQrdZ1QQ sspagenameZWD1V

FYI, www.rockauto.com (http://www.rockauto.com) has a Walker Quiet-Flow muffler for my 1993 T100 closeout for $28.89 plus shipping (varies). With a $50 rebate, you are making money! They only have 2 left at that price today. Free is a very good price. There are a couple left for your 1995 T100 SR5 for $33.79. Probably will still be free.

EDIT: I got the $50 rebate check a little over two weeks after I mailed it! That means I cleared $6.56 on that deal. Offer good through July 1, 2008. :)

Bump.