I haven't run the smaller exhaust size, but I did come from the smaller exhaust size of a 38R that had the gate too tight. The difference is it won't feel as choked up above (in my situation 2k rpm) and with the sxe it's probably not noticed until after ~2500. If I had to take a guess, and that's assuming you have enough fuel to get into this condition.
Before it pulled hard and felt like it hit a plateau around 2000-2200. Now it just runs like it's got something to prove up until it hits the rev limiter. It's a similar experience when you run out of high pressure oil. And then one day you upgrade that.
At least in my opinion. You're results may vary.