CycleX Exhaust Fitment Issue

[Rockthehellout]

Long time lurker, first time poster, apologies if this is in the incorrect location for some reason. I recently purchased the super sidewinder from cyclex for my 76 CB750 build. With the header in as far as it will possibly go, the flanges on the pipes are 3/4" away from the heads (and this is without crush gaskets in there). The guys over at cyclex swear this is normal, but I'm having a hard time believing I'll get a good seal, let alone the aesthetic of having 2" bolts holding these pipes on by the skin of their teeth. My questions are:

If I simply cut the pipes down, and lose the little bit of flange at the end, will it make any difference? Has anyone else experienced this with these pipes, or any for that matter?

 

[xb33bsa]

wasn't there studs originally ? you don't really want to use bolts
are you thinking the flange needs to contact the head?

 

[coyote13]

The 69-76 750's originally had spigot mount exhausts, the Cycle-X system uses the later stud and collar mount. You need studs to get that to fit (pretty sure that style does not use the collars, just the studs). DO NOT cut those pipes down or they will be TRASH. That flange at the end gets pushed into the crush gaskets and creates a seal as you tighten the nuts on the mounting flange. Go to cmsnl.com and look at the parts fische for 77-78 CB750's and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Edit to add: you'll be quite surprised to see how close those mounting flanges get to the head once you tighten them down.