Exhaust conundrum

[msg]

I used to have a set of headers and dual exhaust that were on an old 350 I am replacing during my rebuild. This time I have decided to go ram style exhaust manifolds on an L31 I installed. The truck isnt complete, just a cab with nothing but paint and metal. Not running yet.

Im new to this and trying to get the exhaust planned and estimated for a local shop to do for me. I thought maybe I could reuse what I have just to get down to the shop about 3/4 a mile away. Plus the crate motor is sitting in it and brand new, so I thought I would need to break it in and get it going first and then have the shop take it to deal with the exhaust.

I called the shop and the owner asked if I was going to cut holes in the crossmember to run the exhaust through. I hadnt thought of it. I am keeping the suspension at stock height so I wasnt planning to get fancy but he said it would help clean up the profile by not having the exhaust run so low but be further up. He said it would have less bends to making it easier and a bit cheaper. I am not sure what might be best. Ill attach some pics of where I am and where the old exhaust was before.

If anyone has any advice on what would be a good approach with what Ive got going please share your thoughts.

Here is where I am with things and the ram style manifolds I have.