side exit exhaust

Keep in mind by the time exhaust gasses reach the tail pipe back at the fuel tank they have cooled off considerably. You can verify this with the cheap laser pointed pistol thermometers, exhaust manifolds can run 500 or 600 degrees and tailpipes lukewarm in comparison.
You are no doubt correct,
I had 5-6 AAR cudas and TA Challengers back in the 80-s early 90's. Neat cars for SB cars. I always loved them I have had the notion of a side exit exh system for other models for years. This F body runner in NOT any real collectable car, so making this hotrod change to it does not bother me at all. If someone buys it one day, they could change it back.