I have a Headache.... Need some insight into Exhaust...

maybe find out more about where dougs interference is with the trans, might be minor? Then modify
tube(s)
From what I understand or can put together from pictures is that the collectors have little room at the bell housing and to get around the torsion bars they dive towards the manual trans after the bell.
This would bring them into the wide body, shifter linkage, and pan of the "727"