Thanks jesse! I called up hotshot on the problem to here what they would say. First about the EGR valve, very common problem and they get tons of calls on it..if it's 3-4 threads exposed it's ok as long as it's tight. They purposely made it short so it would be "easier" to install. As for the welding, he said to get half washers and get new bolts. If that doesn't work to give him a call but he said that should do the trick