1-in/2-out Muffler input needs alteration, Any advice ? Options

[Literati914]

I have a set of 4 into 1 stainless headers that I want to connect up with an old stainless steel 1in-2out Tangerine muffler. The muffler was obviously not made for this header system but they are not that far off either. Well a little is a lot in this case I guess.

I have a MIG welder and thought I’d buy some self-shielded stainless wire (rather than invest in a whole tank of gas), and try to fix the gap. If nothing else I figured I could tack up a solution and let a real welder finish it (if blowing holes became unavoidable).

I’ve found that the tube exiting the muffler is apparently made up of mild steel at the flange (magnet sticks strongly), then the curved mid-section of the tube is a low carbon steel (magnet sticks BUT NOT strongly), then the very short part is all stainless as is the rest of the muffler (magnet does not stick).

I’m looking for suggestions as to where you guys would cut, maybe good only spots to buy pre-curved stainless or what to search for. General suggestions would be appreciated. Part of wanting to take on this task is that I’d like to add to my welding experience if I can. Here are some pics of the project:

[Literati914]

Is it possible to bolt the muffler to the header and use a torch to heat the muffler part to bend it the way you need? Just a thought. Cant weld so no real experience.
Tony

assuming the muffler body is released from it's mounting point... and the flanges are then bolted together - the muffler would then be pointing upwards at about a 45degree angle.

Getting the curved pipe red hot and pushing the muffler downwards to meet it's original mounting locations would probably just twist/collapse the curved pipe in on itself, no? Also, that would likely take more heat than I could build up too (only got a small bottle MAP torch, besides the Mig welder)

I think I'm gonna buy a "U" shape pieces and cut several pieces from it, possibly to include small "pie" cuts for a gradual step down if needed.