While the engine compartment was being prepared, we assembled the new motor the rest of the way. We installed the freshly painted aluminum intake manifold, rebuilt TBI, new distributor, new water pump, new starter, alternator, pulleys, etc. and test fitted the freshly coated exhaust manifolds. The result looked like this.

It was at this point that I tried to attach the original 3.8 “Y” exhaust pipe. It didn’t line up; not surprising, we didn’t expect to put the motor in with NO problems. NOTE: if you were to use the original 3.8 cast iron exhaust manifolds, then the “Y” pipe would fit but you would have to route the oil dipstick differently and use the smaller style starter motor.