Help With Exhaust Insallation!!

I began to install my magnaflow exhaust on my 1997 3.8L v6 yesterday but i realized in the S-pipe after the cat, there is an Oxygen Sensor. In the new S-pipe that is provided with the system there is no whole in the pipe for the Oxygen Sensor. In the instructions it says for the 1998 and newer models to start installation at the mid-pipe after the S-pipe but mines a 1997. I talked to the people at magnaflow and unbelievably, they had never heard of this problem. Could I start my intallation at the mid-pipe even though I have a 1997??? It looks like it would work fine but i was just wondering if anyone knows??

S-pipe??????? you mean Y-pipe?????

no the S-Pipe it is the first pipe after the catylatic converter, you may not have one.

no i dont have one, but i am a chevy tech, im just trying to think of what it is your talking about.

is it that one that's shaped like the letter "S"???

Yes, that would be correct Geno. The section of pipe coming out of the cat makes a hard turn to the drivers side and then turns toward the rear making an "S" shape. After the "S" pipe it runs strait (mid section) until it makes the turn over the rear end.

As far as your problem on being able to use the new pipe. Just have a muffler shop weld an oxygen sensor fitting to the new pipe or just start installation after that section. Can't really tell by not being able to see the new system but it sounds like with just a little welding you should be able to start your installation after the "S" pipe.

OHHHHH *smacks self in forhead* i forgot the fourth gens had the pipe route down the driver side. my bad. but yeah, i dont think that the exact placement of the O2 is a big deal, so long as it is still in the same part of the pipe as it was stock, for instance, if it was in front of the cat, but after the collector, dont put it behind the cat, that sorta thing.

Yeah, as long as it's in the same spot it shouldn't be a big deal. It's just wierd that it doesn't have a fitting already in place. Never seen that before. But definatly put it back where it should go. If it's in the wrong spot you'll run like a wet turd. Also make sure that the hangers are in the right spot. I know from experiance that if there not, then it's fustrating as hell hanging the system, especialy if you've already gotten rid of the old leather or rubber hangars.

Thanx, I think i am just goin to start my install afterthe S-pipe ive heard it will work fine and i think its the same size pipe anyway...