I would like to answer the original question. I have some thoughts. STAY AWAY from that direct-fit kit from Eastern Catalytic, especially on Rock Auto. I bought it on Rock Auto and it was a big mistake. In the past, I have been employed by a fab shop, and I have worked around many different skill levels of welders. This Eastern Catalytic y pipe looks like it was made by a high school shop class, where everyone got to take a turn practicing welding for their first time on this one y pipe.
Eastern Catalytic drop ships these items direct from their location. The pipes are just put in a big box without any packaging material and then handed off to the FedEx driver. The first time someone from FedEx picks up the box, it falls completely apart. So the hardware and clamps will probably be missing. On the invoice, they tape over the Eastern Catalytic name and address and stamp it with Rock Auto's info. Do not try to call them, as they will not lift a finger to help and suggest you take it up with the retailer, Rock Auto.
I love Rock Auto, and shop their often. However, their relationship with Eastern Catalytic is not any good. If you replace them, spend just a little bit more money and get the Magnaflow direct fit kit. This is not an area you want to cheap out on like I did.
Of course, hacking them out always works too.