I never do stainless. I want my shit to rust out. I always need a reason to upgrade. That being said, I've never had one rust out. We have 28-year-old Flowmasters on my dad's 90 GT and they are still in great shape. Everyone says aluminized rusts, but I think it's fine if you don't drive year round.
I'd try to stick to 2.5 if you can. I can not recommend anything either. Sound is subjective here, but almost all Windsors sound the same, so you can easily search Youtube for Foxbody exhausts and get a rainbow of choices.
I have read a few bad stories about CJ's lately too, but not sure on the validity. I'd stick to Summit, Jegs, National Parts Depot, etc.