Side Pipe Alignment tips?

[DanMartin]

Hello all,

I'm sure this has been discussed ad-nauseum, but I need some advise on getting better side pipe alignment on #408.

I had to change out to a set of used pipes due to some internal rattles on the old set (They will be rebuilt...we have the technology). This new (used) set of pipes is (of course) bent up ever-so slightly different than the originals, and now I'm having some alignment issues on the passenger side, with one of the tubes nearly touching the body.

I'm wondering if I can loosen the motor mounts and slightly tweak the placement of the motor in the frame to get me some more clearance. I've looked and there are no shims under the mounts, so that's not an option (I suppose I could shim up the other side in hopes of rotating the motor slightly from the driver side). All motor and trans mounts appear to be in good shape.

Anyways, here's a few snaps of the installed pipes. The flanges are all correctly aligned, and the side mounts are bolted up correctly using brand new mounts.







Driver's side for reference:



Of note, it looks like there were some alignment issues on this car in the past on the drivers side (note the small wear mark)...wondering if maybe someone went through this before on this car in the past?

Motor is a 427 FE (Side Oiler).

Any suggestions or advise greatly appreciated!

Dan Martin
Superformance MK-III #408

[DanMartin]

Well, with the help of a tapered spacer and some creativity with the body mounts, the issue is solved and I have 1/2" clearance where I previously had near contact to the body. The pipes are straight and within spec per the Superformance installation guide.

I'm happy to help anyone with similar issues in the future.