I'm having a hard time connecting my EGR pipe back to my short tube header. Its only one bolt but is a nightmare to install. It also doesn't help that the trans. tube Is mounted right behind the bolt. It seems to be almost impossible to do from the top. How does everyone else normally do this?

Would removing the starter help?

 

Did you try connecting the EGR tube to the header primary first, then push the other end of the EGR tube over the intake manifold studs.

 

Yeah now that I think about it im pretty sure that's what we had to end up doing a few years go. its just unfortunate if that's how it has to be done. my exhaust gaskets went on almost perfectly. I can get an 1/8 of a turn with a wrench when im under the car but its not the most comfortable. How tight does the bolt need to be?

 

With only one bolt holding it, the bolt needs to be very tight. A leak at that location will screw up the O2 sensor reading.

I have an aluminum blanking plate, and I added a thick steel plate on top of it, plus a lot of RTV to insure no leaks, with the bolt as tight as I could get it. Fortunately, mine appears to be a lot easier to access.

 

Who makes those headers? That looks much easier than mine

 

Those are AS&M (Arizona Speed & Marine) mid-lengths.

My A/C is deleted, so less stuff in the way. The trans is a TH400, so the Lokar flexible dipstick is out of the way on the aluminum bracket held by the last centerbolt on the valve cover.