Well, ended up being long enough for the plug on the block and it's all set!
Heres a video here:
Now I just want to do something about this stupid tick, it bothers me soooo much. I don't hear it at idle until I move my head next to the passenger wheel well looking right at the exhaust manifold straight on. When I rev it I can hear it from up top. Hopefully it truly is just an exhaust leak!
Did empty my oil drain pan today into a bucket, and swore I saw some metal in the oil, so I still think the engine is at end of life, but we'll see how long it lasts!