TOPIC:

As purchased the aftermarket headers are very loose and not sealing. I scored some original finned flanges with the inserts but it does not all fit together into the header. 

I assume I am going to have to cut the “sleeves” off the headers so the original config will work?

Pics show what the stock setup would look like on the other end without the sleeve. 

Any help would appreciated. 

You have the split pieces (the collets) on backwards. The flat parts go against the cylinder head.

But yeah, the stock exhaust mounting bits won't work with that aftermarket exhaust (which was intended to use the flat flanges attached to the exhaust studs).

That was confusing as all get out. 

pic #3 shows the “sleeve” that makes the stock inserts not fit. 

pic# 2 shows the stock setup on the unflared end of the header. 

sorry for the confusion. 

Head slap!

Thanks.