Dissappointment in aftermarket parts - "Minor fitment required"

[Brando]

I just had an exhausting weekend. No pun intended.

I picked up a pair of 987.1 aftermarket headers with sport cats. Checked, double checked, and got assurances from the seller that they are for Early S Caymans. Parts came in a few months later, look great and decent quality.

A short while ago i also picked up a MK2 style muffler from a gent on the Planet-9 classifieds. Asked for assurances that it's for the 987.1 cayman, says he pulled it off his 2006 Cayman S. Muffler looks great, has the down-pipies and gaskets, looks complete. No scratches, scuffs, undamaged.

Well this weekend a buddy comes by to help me install it all. Headers go on without a hitch. Better clearances than the OE headers right by the rear axles. Then we go to install the muffler and... wow. It becomes immediately apparent that this muffler is not meant for this car. The attachment to the rear trans would actually be in the trunk. The tail pipes would stick out about 8" past the bumper. Crazy.

Worst part is that the OEM mufflers do not line up 100% either. I see now how muffler shops have so much business. If only I had a mandrel bender and tig welder. So this friday I get to limp the car over to a local shop, give them all the parts and say "make this fit". I gues this is what "newer" Porsche ownership. I never had to deal with is on my Carrera, 924s, 944s, or my 914.

I hate any project that has an essential "throw money at it" component.