It's just such a relief when you actually find the root cause of a problem. Longer bolts are in, downpipes and test pipes are tightened back down and the brake master cylinder is bolted back into place. Just have a few more things to reconnect and I'll soon be able to start up the car... hopefully with an update that'll be worthwhile to share.
I'm honored to now officially know how fun it is to remove/replace downpipes with the transmission in! Good times. While Mr. Teretto lives his live 1/4 mile at a time, I live mine one socket extension at a time...plus swivel... and banged knuckes....etc.