sprint exhaust manifold

[nigel+2]

during a recent outing ,both my exhaust manifolds cracked,well, one all the way round,the other three quarters way round,both on the lower bend, and on previous repairs, but on the original weld ,so i decided to purchase a new one from chris neals.So after taking the alternator off and the engine mounting off,i proceeded to fit the new manifold,and after 2 hrs and a lot of twisting and turning finally managed to get it on and bolted to the head.But i noticed that the left hand side pipe of the middle section was touching the side of the of the car body,near the top side of the footwell compartment where it bellies out slightly(obviously not right)there should be a gap of approx 3/8"-1/2" between body and manifold pipe.So i phoned chris neals up and explained the situation.i was told theyd had some previous issues with these , but thought theyd sorted them out,it will shortly be on its way back to them.i had the old one repaired ,and it was fitted in a matter of minutes.Has anyone had any issues like this with a new manifold?cheers.