Not to beat a dead horse more, but I think the number of TM and OBX threads already shows it's been pulped pretty good.
I was dealing with replacing my oil pressure sensor yesterday, and that little SOB is hard to get to. I'll tell anyone searching for that online, remove the radiator hose from the water pump, that was the best path to it.
While trying to reach the oil filter adapter bolt(I started trying to remove that(don't)), I looked at the left manifold again, as I've done many times. But this time my only thought was how to fit a log manifold. From looking at it, and a GT40X head I have available, I'm fairly sure a log manifold can be made which will easily install on the left, by first removing the steering shaft.
From what I see, I will make a manifold that has the two front ports(5/6) come out nicely and merge going back around the outside of the steering shaft. The rear two ports(7/8) will come down quickly and back together, below the steering shaft. The two pipes can come together well in the big pocket behind the steering shaft. So in the end it won't look exactly like a simple log manifold, but more like two pairs going into two short log pipes, meeting before the collector.
I also looked at it again from below when installing my front diff/carrier for my Mercury. There is more space where the collector is than people think. The factory collector connection, ball flange contraption, that thing is huge compared to the tiny 2 1/8" outlet opening. I know there is space there for a 2.5" collector(the pipe itself), and maybe a 3" pipe. I'm going to install V-band clamps, which don't add much size outside of the pipes there.
I know everyone wants a stock replacement part, to work with all other stock replacement parts. But car enthusiasts learn and know when to trash the stock stuff, the designs or just certain features, to make things better. My point is that any decent exhaust shop could install a V-band clamp connection to any weldable pipes. Now many people know those shops are full of sloppy workmanship, so it isn't as simple as trusting any of them and know it'll be done right.
If anyone could get a log manifold made, you should do it without the OEM ball connection, even move it slightly to fit the available space better. Have it made with a simple V-band connection(they aren't cheap and have to be welded to both pipes), so you end up with a solid connection that should not leak and last for ages.
Someone else should do it and make it to fit the stock heads and use 2.25 or 2.5" collector pipes. Send them to some exhaust maker to replicate. Then anyone could buy those for way less than these contraptions which are talked about to death and cost way too much and don't fit well.
Just my rant today about so much effort spent on stock application low performance high dollar parts. Regards,