Early A 273 manifold - flange pipe questions

I believe the largest diameter pipe that will fit and not hit the torsion bar or the frame is 2 1/4”, that’s what I have on my car. And my exhaust guy squawked about the minimal clearance to get pipes through. He also made be a bell flange where it turns to head out back, so I could take the system apart in pieces, for access to the trans and such!
I have a 3 inch single all the way back, it fits but takes a good exhaust shop... sounds wicked.