>
     > 3) The VAM muffler *almost* fit.  The exhaust pipe hits one of
    the mount
     >
     > tubes, preventing the exhaust manifold flange from seating
    against the
     >
     > engine correctly.  There seem to be 3 possible solutions:
     >
     >    A) Make an insert for the manifold flange which adds appx
    1/4".  Not
     >
     > convinced the bolts are long enough for this.
     >
     >    B) Cut the exhaust manifold pipes & lengthen them so the VAM
    moves
     >
     > 1/4" - 3/8" farther away.
     >
     >    C) Cut the VAM exhaust tube & increase the angle toward aft so it
     >
     > clears tube.
     >
     >
    Mark,   When I built the muffler, I did it with the engine mount in
    place.  I had it off and on many times.  It had to be angled just so to
    slip it over the flange studs, but it did fit. I have no ideal why it
    would not fit now.  Of your proposed solutions, the last one would be
    easy to do. Cut through three sides of the exhaust so the last side can
    act as a hinge. (It can be cut on a band saw or with a plasma) Heat
    with a torch and pull it the position  you want.  I can send   you some
    321 strips for the patch and also some 347 tig rod (required to weld
    321).   Or, you can patch it with 304, readily available everywhere.  To
    weld 304 to 321, use 309 rod.

      I am very disappointed that you are having difficulties,

      Jerry


We were able to get the muffler over the studs no problem.  The trouble
was getting it to fit completely against the engine - in this case, the
bottom could not touch because the exhaust pipe was contacting the
engine mount.  How thick is the gasket material which fits between the
engine & the muffler flange, Jerry?  We were doing a dry-fit, but it
didn't seem that close to fitting -- perhaps you had gasketing in there
& it was enough?

Agree that increasing the angle of the exhaust square-tube is the
easiest way to adjust it.  Do you suppose there is any reason to make
this adjustment way up by the VAM, or could it be done a couple of
inches down (where it will be easier to do)?  The only difference is
that doing it a couple of inches down would put a 'bend' in the pipe --
can't see that a bend would make any difference.

Mark & Mark

It was kind of loud on the dyno so a bend might help.
Also you might want to weld in a few of these while you are
at it. They are reputed to reduce the noise.

BTW Mark if you use the stock M2 cowl what are you going to
do with the cheeks?

Paul Lamar