Melony sounds like one hell of a woman, just like you're one hell of a story teller..
. It takes a whole lot of "The Right Stuff" to survive, persevere and come up on top like she did..
As far as acupuncture, I don't think they make needles long enough to strike a nerve with me.
...too thick skinned
Now folks, back to our "exhaust"ed discussion...
If it's the original J pipes then they are most likely less than 2". You'll need to get the new ones made before you proceed with the rest of the sidepipes/merge collector build. I think I remember Brian making a post on LS forum saying LS wasn't doing any more custom exhaust work. I called and pleaded for mine as you'll need to do if you have any expectation of him making you a set. If you make a post on LS forum asking him he'll probably reply no. I think they were around $250 or so for the pair. I'm sure they can be built elsewhere, probably by one of our Club Cobra forum vendors/manufacturers.
here's where I am otherwise..
I've got everything completed on the car, save the sidepipe install. The new 31 spline Dutchman alloy axle/Detroit rearend/brakes are all together and actually turn as they're supposed to. I put Stage 8 locking header bolts all the way around. Every nut and bolt on the car has had a wrench tighten it. Tranny fluid's been checked. I changed to ends on the adjustable upper control arms from a 10 degree off-set to neutral. It'll be all ready to go for next season, save a wheel alignment and polishing the Boyds..
Dave