New exhaust for '73 spider does not fit!?

[Kevin Trent <trentkc@domain.elided>]

I purchased a front pipe and a center muffler from a vendor for my '73 
spider.  When I went to install this "matched set" on my spider it simply 
did not fit in several respects, and when I compare it to the system that 
came out of the car, these are the following differences:

1. The front support bar, located where the 1&4-2&3 pipes merge just before 
the resonator is located about 1 inch too far forward (this support bar 
bolts to an intermediate piece that is bolted to a hanger connected to the 
transmission case);

2. The fit between the 1&4 downpipe from the exhaust manifold plus the top 
of the front resonator versus the heat shield/floor of the car is too tight 
- no clearance, but it will fit.  Would anticipate a lot of noise and 
vibration transfer. (The heat shield was replaced a month ago, and is in 
good condition and properly fitted);

3. When the front pipe is connected to the center muffler, the whole system 
is approximately 4 inches too long, as measured by the alignment of the 
muffler hanger that hangs from the chassis and bolts to the front of the 
center muffler.  In addition, the pipe between the front resonator and 
center muffler zigs so far toward the centerline of the car, it would 
prevent the drive shaft from being serviced with out removing the exhaust.

These measurements were made with the front pipe connected to the exhaust 
manifolds with all six flange bolts.  I had trial fitted the exhaust to the 
car to mark it for welding when I discovered the misfit, it is now off the 
car where I can compare it to other exhausts in my pile o' parts.

Before I contact the vendor with my problem I'm trying to diagnose why this 
system appears to have such a poor fit.  I chose this vendor because of the 
reputation it had for good fitting exhausts.  I hypothesize that I have 
either a front pipe from a GTV or Berlina, or perhaps one from a 1600, or 
perhaps one from a early 1750 with floor mounted pedals.  I'm focusing on 
the front pipe as the mismatched part because the center muffler it is the 
same for all body styles and displacements.

Prior to this event, I had always thought that the difference between the 
spider/GTV /Berlina front pipe was just its length.  But If I cut this 
front pipe, it will still be too long.  I have done lots of 105/115 
exhausts over the last 20 years, but never had this kind of problem.  Now I 
wonder if the bends in the pipe aft of the resonator are different?  Any 
suggestions?

thanks,  //KCT, Powell, TN.
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