I put a temporary system on mine with a junkyard muffler, some flex pipe and a couple of hangers. It sounded just like a factory exhaust and allowed me to listen carefully to the engine.
I would think that the open exhaust would be hard on the ears.

1951 GMC 1 Ton Flatbed -- It is finally on the road and what a great time I have driving it!
1951 1 Ton Completed

My Chevy Master 4 Door is on the Road!