Station Four: Cylinder Head Prep and Install

With the short block assembled, the Cobra Jet’s DOHC heads are prepped for installation. The heads are similar to the GT500 units but feature Cobra Jet spec cams and valve springs.

They arrive at the Niche line build station preassembled with cams, springs and roller finger followers already installed. While on the prep table, head bolts are placed in the heads before they are set on the engine.

At the head install station, the engine team sets a pair of MLS head gaskets in the engine followed by the left and right cylinder heads. The heads are then torqued in place with a computerized overhead torque gun.

Station Five: Timing Set Installation

The timing set arrives pre-kitted from the suppler and includes all gears, chains, guides and tensioners needed to run four cams.

The build team member aligns the timing set to the appropriate marks on the chain and tightens the bolts before releasing the tensioners. All tensioner pins are saved with the engine build sheet as a quality control process.

Station Six: Front Cover, Cam Covers and Oil Pan

The front engine cover is installed followed by the trademark Ford blue DOHC cam covers.

With the front cover and heads sealed, the build team seals up the bottom of the engine with the installation of the oil pump pick-up tube and oil pan with integral windage tray.