Mine actually has a pipe thread reducer with a hex flange, so I don’t think mine will crush. I have a torch so I think I can get it hot enough. I have minimal experience with aluminum, mostly bad.
just noticed your bypass hose removed. Any issues doing that?
Can't say yet as it's not in the car yet, i plan to run a 10an hose from the manifold (not the one pictured) to radiator so i can run a thermostat and still bypass through the radiator, let you know how it go's.