I'm running the pypes system on my 68 Firebird and while it wasn't totally perfect (it has since been revised), it was pretty good. The HP gains were real, and that was worth it to me.

 

You seem to be having the exact same issues I forsee having, with the strut rods.

 

Kevin, what model year?

 

I want to apologize for not responding to this thread earlier, to be honest, when the posts died down I felt I had to figure it out myself.
I know now that I will have to modify both the S-Pipe's as well as the remaining Pipe that attaches to the collector. I just wasn't expecting such a large extent of modification.
When I did a rough fit, and noted that it didn't come close to fitting, I tried starting at the back, the front as well as in the middle and I had problems at both ends for e.g. When I started at the rear the drivers side pipe fell short by 2" and wouldn't match up with either the X-Pipe or muffler, when I took them apart I realised the both pipes between the X-Pipe and muffler were a different length. The driver’s side was approximately 2" shorter which made sense why it fell short. To solve this I either had to make a new pipe or weld a 2" extension, I choose to weld an extension and it fits now. The X-pipe had to be widened at the rear since both sets of mufflers hit the spare tire carrier. Issues with the front section remained constant regardless of which side I started installing from
This system I purchase was Pypes Street Pro Exhaust Systems PYE-SCC10S therefore it did come with mufflers. I just wanted to experiment with a different sound since both mufflers were about the same size therefore swapping them wouldn't be a problem.
I received an estimate of $210.00 in Canada to perform the modifications only not install the system but unfortunately the car is not drivable at this point therefore I will either modify it myself or bring the system to them piece by piece.
That would have saved me many hours of frustration and would have gladly choose that option, unfortunately, living in Canada prevented me from taking Pypes up on that generous offer.
I have no complaints when it comes to the quality of Pypes product, in fact I feel this stainless system is a great deal based on what's out there in the market. If I had sent negative feedback on Pypes quality then I apologize. As for the fitment, I guess my frustration got the better of me and as of today, I'm still hesitant in getting back to trying to make it fit.
I ended up doing a search on Pypes exhaust on this forum and found some valuable information but in a nut shell, on my '75 with Blackjack Alumacoat headers the modifications needed are:

1. Extent the drivers side pipe between the rear muffler and X-Pipe by approximately 2"
2. Widen the rear of the X-Pipe enough so that the mufflers have enough clearance so as to not hit the spare tire carrier.
3. Modify the front S-Pipe on both side as well as the pipe that attaches from this pipe to the collector.
According to Kevin's profile it's a '76.

 

It looks like you have the OLD style headers with the flat flange and gasket. Most of the new headers have the ball & socket set up(or bell style as it may be called). The newer style header would help big-time with the alignment coming off the headers. as far as everything else, it looks like you will have your hands full with band clamps and tacking until you have everything straightgood luck P.S. 1/2 clearance is good enough most of the time....

 

$210 would be fair to install the entire system. Just to do the mods seems unreasonable.

 

Welcome to Canada.

 

The headers are approximately 25 years old and have about 2000 miles on them. This car has been stored for approximately 19 years.

As DEMITRISTYLES has mentioned, automotive labour is quite expensive in Canada, that's why I was hoping for a system that was more bolt on..... with the exception of a slight modification just before the headers. I wasn't expecting this much work to be needed. That being the case this will end up being quite an expensive exhaust once it's complete.

Lesson learned.

 

This is why I didn't complain. I knew it was new but it was my only real option besides a crimped 3".

I am very happy with it now that it is done. My rear wheel #'s weren't bad on the first try with the system either.

 

Any update Frank?

 

Sorry for the late reply.

I cut and welded the front exhaust between the crossmember and collector, I now have to work on the rear. If I have the chance I'll post pictures.