How big of a problem would it be if the EGR tube that hooks up to the header isnt perfectly on there. Say for example the tube wouldnt go all the way into the hole on the MAC header and I just kept cranking on the bolt and the tube MAY have slightly deformed

 

You do NOT want a leak in the system at that point. It will dilute the exhaust and screw up the O2 sensor readings on the passenger bank. A severe leak could result in a problem with the exhaust valve on #8.

You are talking about the EGR tube, and not the AIR tube(s) - correct?

 

Yeah, EGR tube, coming off the back of the manifold.

 

why is the tube binding? Is the the hole too small or not shaped right to receive the EGR tube?

 

mine was the same way on my pacesetter mids.. the egr has a "collar" or whatever you want to call it that I had to remove from it so it would be flush. Prior to that mine deformed and I did the same thing you did.. but i took it off and put a small socket in it and shaped it that way.

 

Well, I crimped the part that goes into the header and I THINK its in there now, but am not completely sure. If I have a problem with it, Ill try taking it off at the manifold and blocking it there and on the header.

 

When I had MAc mid length headers, my EGR tube would not fit flush to the flange. Turns out there was a bead weld inside the flange that prevented the EGR from sitting flush.

I had to use a dremel to cut about 1cm off the brass tube of the egr. I then sealed it with a good gasket and some copper RTV, and torqued it good.

MACs got rave reviews here, but I don't see the big deal about them. On top of the bead weld preventing the egr sitting flush, I had a pinhole leak from shoddy welding at the driver's side collector. Be careful!

Good luck!