[Back in Black]

A few points after having owned one and re-built it once:

1) Re-torque all head and intake bolts after 200-300 miles. I just did this on my re-built 514 (Requires breaking down the roller rockers and then re-adjusting them on re-install, be sure you know what you are doing and re-place them where they came from in sequence) The intake bolts were LOOSE and several of the head studs were @90 lbs (spec is 135) I know they were torqued right during re-build as it is a good machine shop in Tacoma.. You will need to check the settings on the mechanical roller rockers at least every 1500 miles after that. Fail to do this for at least the first 5 to 10 k miles and you may destroy your motor. After that time you can increase the inspection intervals. [believe the reason for the slack torque was gaskets settling due to the heat and alum vs cast iron, Ford says to re-torque after ONE day's operation)

2) If you have to replace the VERY tall Victor Jr that comes with the 514 then be very sure to clean the surfaces well, use RTV silicone for the end seals, and do consider having "port-matching" done while it's apart. The stock ports on the Vic Jr and also the Torker 2 that was the replacement, were both tiny compared to the Cobra Jet heads. Ford does not bother to port match.

3) These motors have a lot of power (and heat, good thing I have a well-insulated firewall) But they do not like to rev like a small motor, and you will want at least a 5 speed to compensate for this, IMO.

4) Use enough clutch.. like a McCleod 12 inch (mine is rated for 750 HP) or go with a well-built c4 or c6

5) Use an aluminum radiator with the 1 inch passages. Two rows should be enough if you have a powerful puller fan. My stock radiator has 7 rows and IMO it's less efficient than the above due to the tiny flow tubes.

6) Be sure to use a fuel pressure regulator if you have a fuel pump like mine, the blue label Holley. They put out 2x the pressure needed for one carb and this causes RICH running and flooding.

7) My West Coast was desinged for this motor (429/460) and it's a bigger car than the other makes, the motor still barely fits. Ask your manufacturer first...