any pics on how the exhaust manifold shims are in?

Im not sure if the exhaust manifold shims are on my little gpz550 properly, i was on a evening ride & devoloped an exhaust leak on the #3 cylinder, upon inspection i found the two headed bolts were loose causing my leak, but something looks off on the shims.

KZRider topic --- 78 kz1000 exhaust question

Your bike probably has flanges welded to the header tips, instead of being flared, but the installation is the same.
The half-moon exhaust collars should be installed with their wide flared ends against the exhaust holder clamps.

Are the nuts loose on the bolts or are the bolts themselves loose? (The bolts are usually threaded studs) If its just the nuts you should be ok,just realign everything properly and tighten them down. If its the bolts (studs) that are loose,Its going to be a bit more involved.
Good luck with it.

Don't over-tighten the exhaust studs --- they're only 6mm & I think the torque spec will be in the 69-INCH/lbs range (not ft/lbs). I would hate to snap off one of them.