She runs--HG done...

[yellowline]

So we got the car running! The only adjustment we had to do is to switch the plug wires at the distributor...I set the wires to go 1-2-3-4, then I realized it had to go according to firing order...now it just fast idles (~1k RPM), easily fixed.

A few minor problems: The exhaust sounds like a Honda with a fart can on it. It's because it has a major leak where the cat pipe connects to the muffler. Strangely, the bolt holes don't line up. I have the same '83 muffler, but I bought a used set of late headers/cat. The bolts angle inward horribly towards the pipe itself. It's to the point where you can't work one bolt in to get a nut started on it. (the other two hold fast.) Should I try to work this bolt in somehow, or is something wrong? It mounted fine to the manifold.

Also, my dad thinks the gasket should be "seasoned"...don't run the car too hard or for too long. Is there a bit of break-in needed, beyond bleeding, changing oil, and general inspection under the hood? Thanks.

[Zero10]

A picture of the exhaust problem would truly be worth a thousand words, because I am not 100% certain. My initial impression is that they should be the same, but I do know that different part numbers are listed for earyl and late exhausts.
As far as the head gasket goes, let it heat cycle once or twice, then it's just fine. No breaking-in or anything required. I let it warm right up to operating temperature once, then cool right down. Make a nice easy trip in it, and then the next time I start it, I keep going like the headgasket never had any problems at all.

[yellowline]

I heat cycled it last night, today I took it up a couple times to 5k RPM to make sure the car doesnt hesitate (I cleaned the inectors).

I fixed it. The bolt holes simply don't line up, so it makes sense that there's an early and late exhaust.

I just put 2 bolts in and tightened them. It sounds normal now. If it starts to leak, I'll drill out the third hole a bit more, and hold the bolt in with a flat washer.

Runs great, though. I'm quite happy. Thanks to all for answering questions when I had little problems!