tried something new today and it worked as well as i could have asked...i had a fairly significant dent/bend in one of my HMF mid-pipes...they no longer make this exhaust and all efforts to find a replacement failed (btw GoldenChild, thank you so much for all of your efforts and time )...so, i got a couple freeze plugs and hose clamps (used these to give a little extra support since i knew i was going to have to put as much pressure as possible to keep the plugs in place...might not need them but didn't want to take the chance) and stuck a gallon of water in the fridge (cold water doesn't take as long to freeze and also gives you the maximum expansion)...i plugged the small end, filled the pipe with water, and plugged the other end