Early exhaust system routing for 1979 Spider

[kmoses]

I am trying to route my 1979 spider exhaust system the same as the pre-emissions Spiders, with the downpipes and midsection running parallel and close to the transmission/driveshaft tunnel. The engine is a 2.0L with 4-2 exhaust manifold 415127 casting number. I am looking for a 1.8L 4-2 exhaust manifold to see if that gets me closer with the downpipe I purchased. The downpipe I purchased does not "fit" correctly, it bolts up to the manifold but the bends don't seem to be correct to put the pipe in the needed path. The photos below show how the pipe routes and the cardboard outline shows how I think it needs to be routed.
If anyone has changed their 78+ Spider exhaust to the pre-emissions exhaust system route, please let me know if you ran into any problems and/or what components you used to make it work. Thanks!

[carl]

The problem is probably the 79 manifold which was meant for a downpipe that went in a totally different direction. I have used early style 4-2-1 exhaust systems (like you are trying to do) on many spiders (and coupes) with 2L motors but with a 78 or earlier manifold and have no fitment problems.

carl

[kmoses]

The 4-2 manifold shown (4151276) is a very early one, used on the '67-'71 Spider with the 1.5L engines. My problem may be just that, it's too early. I am looking for a 1.6L or 1.8L 4-2 manifold now to see if that gets me closer. Hearing what worked for you gives me hope!