This is kind of hard to explain but I will do my best. After looking at other people's headers and y-pipes I have come to the conclusion that my y-pipe has been welded incorrectly. On the collector, the 3 bolt flange seems to have been welded upside down. Have a look at this picture:Y-pipe If you notice, the two bolts that clamp the slip fit connection are on the same side as the pair of bolts on the 3 bolt flange. Normally, the slip fit bolts are on the same side as the single bolt on the flange.

This wouldn't really be a problem but for the fact that I have an exhaust leak at the slip fit and there is no way to tighten those bolts up because I had to place the collector in the position shown, or otherwise the single bolt on the flange was so tight against the body that vibration would be a hell of a problem. The way I put the y-pipe on was by positioning the two pipes in the collector and trying them out on the headers. Once I had the right position, I went on and tightened up those two slip fit bolts and then bolted the y-pipe on the headers.

Has anyone ever seen a problem like this? I know that this is the origional y-pipe with the headers and it doesn't appear to be rewelded. Kind of strange...

 

Since nobody decided to reply, last week I talked to AS&M about my problem and they said that it was indeed welded upside down. They sent me a brand new collector to me no questions asked. Talk about awesome customer service! Two thumbs up for AS&M