It does seem to make a difference as to how you "exit" or terminate the exhaust. I have tried it several ways and even with steel packs like I run, which are l-o-u-d, straight out the back is not that loud. If you run them out the side or terminate them anywhere under the body or bed or in the back of the rear fender of the truck, they are louder than if you terminate beyond the furthest most rear point of the truck.
Alvin - are you really running straights? I've thought of running straights but I haven't had the guts to do it! That is really the 50's sound!!!!