Exhaust is kicking my butt

[Guest]

OK here is the jist of it. I bought a MAC 4 into 2 from a nice guy off of eBay. I have tried to install the system on my 82 GS1100G about 5 times now and I still cannot get it to fit. I can get the header pipes on but the left side will not clear the side stand or the center stand. I got frustrated and called MAC Performance and talked with a customer service rep by the name of Manny. Manny had me take pics of the bike and the system. He told me he had a tech and a sales rep look at the pics and they all agree that it is the correct system for the bike and it should be a direct bolt on, with the supplied hardware of course. Then I was told that they have never ran into a problem like mine before and it looks like I may have to just buy a 4 into 2 system instead. I have already spent a ton of money on this bike and now the exhaust is about the only thing holding me up. I humbly lower my head and ask for some help from the gs community. If anyone has ever installed a MAC 4 into 1 system before please, and I am begging at this point, help me. The pic is of the left header pipe hitting the side stand bracket and spring nub. And at that point the bolts are only about finger tight, I am afraid that if I tighten them up anymore it will damage the system or strip the threads on the holes.

[adam]

it says 4 into 1 but I mean 4 into 2

[Maddevill]

Could it be that the left pipe got bent in sometime in it's past? Maybe take it to someone who can heat it up and bend it out.

[adam]

nope guys at mac said it looks good and the angels are ok. They told me how to take the pics so they could tell if it was possibly damaged. They still claim I should just go with a 4 into 1 though. I am starting to think the same.

[hjfisk]

I hate to say it but every Mac system I have ever had to deal with , fought me till the end. I finally refuse to use one. I have never had good luck with a Mac system , and even when I got one installed I was never happy with the sound or longevity.

[adam]

Well what would anyone else go to if they had no choice but to replace the exhaust? I am open to ideas from everyone.

[OldVet66]

Try using 2 new exhaust gaskets for each header pipe. It will give a lot more latitude for header angle and a good seal and might give enough latitude to clear the kickstand. Mount the pipes with the pipe flanges loose on the bolts or studs until they are fit on the bike correctly, tightening them last. You might have to drill another hole in the mounting bracket, move, modify, bend or make a new one. It's real hard to see any detail in your picture, but it looks close enough to make it work. I had to use that method on my Vance and Hines 4-1

[adam]

will try this weekend, thanks for the idea.

[adam]

Nope didn't work. Looks like I am going to have to drop another $250-350 for an exhaust. I may just end up selling by the time I am done, well see though.

[gustovh]

Why not just put a dimple in the pipe at that location, just enough to clear.
V

[adam]

Think I am just going to sell it and go with a 4 into 1.

[Spyder]

Think I am just going to sell it and go with a 4 into 1.

Is that an 8 or 16 valve engine? What might you sell the Mac system for?

[adam]

mine is the 8 valve g model. The reps as MAC told me that it would fit but on their web site the system fitment is actually for the 16 valve e model. the head pipes fit just have some clearance issues. I would probably sell it for about 150 plus shipping. That exact system on the MAC website is a $400 system. There is some very minor spotting on it that can probably be buffed or cleaned out. If you want some pics just let me know.

[hjfisk]

Well what would anyone else go to if they had no choice but to replace the exhaust? I am open to ideas from everyone.

I personally like the stock systems , They are out there for sale you just have to watch for them. Or you can go with a V&H system, at least they fit just don't last a long time. Have a tendency to rust if you don't stay on top of them.

[OldVet66]

The Vance and Hines may tend to rust, but mine was ancient when I got it and in bad cosmetic shape. I blasted it and keep it painted with VHT flat black. It looks like it may last for another 30 years.