Question about my long tubes

[MadMatt5oh]

I just bought some long tube headers off of Ebay like these

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33631&item=2461065249

I noticed that they are loose in one spot where the lower end of the tubes connect around the upper. There isnt alot of movement maybe an 1/8" but I now have concerns as to whether or not theyll leak after theyre installed.
The only explaination I could find was on the instruction sheet that came with the headers. Heres what it says..........


These headers are a multi-piece design. They were designed for easier installation. The header flange is cut only 3/4's of the way through. It is necessary the flange be cut the remainder of the way through before installation. This may be done with a hacksaw. We have left the pieces together at the factory in order to prevent damage or loss during shipping.

...... So what does everyone think? Am I screwed or what? How the hell am I to cut the remainder when its buried in the lower larger tubes? These POS's are going to leak like niagra falls. Arent they?

What am I supposed to do after I cut them? weld it back together? LOL

I just dont get it. I guess I got

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

man that sounds chitty. I just bought some MAC LT's a couple days ago, i'm putting them on this weekend. I'd go with MAC, simply because they're true bolt ons from the engine back, no welding needed.

 

[Rick 91GT]

The header flange is the portion that bolts to the head...

They are a multiple piece or slip tube header, if I am reading it correctly they left the flange in 1 piece and you need to cut them apart into individual pieces to make them fit correctly, shouldn't be a big deal.

Here's a pic of a Kooks header, these are also slip tube design look at the individual tubes and flanges, these have a locking tab that you bolt into at the collector which you can see. Your heqaders look like the slip joints are up from the collector, the tubes come out correct?

 

[MadMatt5oh]

The header flange is the portion that bolts to the head...

Your heqaders look like the slip joints are up from the collector, the tubes come out correct?

Thank you for your input Rick! Yes, the bottom half (collector part) is slightly larger and slips over the top part halfway up the collectors. So I guess the general idea is to cut them? Where? The bottom wont slip off! LOL!


Anyway, I guess once fitment is acheived -Everything bolted up - then the welding starts?

 

[Rick 91GT]

No need to weld them up, they will be held in place tight once the rest of the exhaust is bolted on. I'd mock them up and then cut the flanges leaving enough room to give good support to the bolt hole.

 

[MadMatt5oh]

No need to weld them up, they will be held in place tight once the rest of the exhaust is bolted on. I'd mock them up and then cut the flanges leaving enough room to give good support to the bolt hole.

Thanks Rick, Im so glad no welding is required! Ok, last questions I promise!

What exact part are the flanges? I hate to sound so Newbie I did notice your pic had the areas trimed right exactly where the bolts go dirrectly in. Is that it?

 

[Rick 91GT]

The flange is the flat piece that attaches to the head and the header bolts go through it. You do not need to make the holes slotted like the Kooks, you can leave your holes solid

 

[MadMatt5oh]

DOH! LOL, now it accurs to me what the flanges are after the sceond time of you telling me! I understand now LOL, I was just so stressed thinking I bought junk!