Ford 7.3L Godzilla Head Stud Installation Guide (2020–2026) — CP893

This guide covers installation of the XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ CP893 head stud kit for the 2020–2026 Ford 7.3L Godzilla V8. Prefer a printable copy? Download the PDF manual.

Why the Godzilla needs head studs

Factory OEM head bolts are torque-to-yield: you torque them to a specified value, then add a final 90° rotation that stretches the bolt to its maximum point. That works at stock power levels. But the 7.3L Godzilla has become a favorite for boost — supercharger and turbo kits push cylinder pressures far past what the factory clamping setup was designed for, lower in the RPM range where this engine lives. When the clamping force securing the gasket, head, and block is no longer sufficient, the result is a blown head gasket. Factory torque-to-yield bolts are also single-use — once the heads come off, they're done.

Head studs are engineered to resist stretching. XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ head studs are manufactured from our premium XOTIC 7200 steel alloy, superior in tensile strength to any bolt, and backed by a lifetime warranty. The key to getting that strength into your engine is accurate preload — the tensile force generated when a fastener is tightened, creating clamp force in the joint. Everything in this guide is in service of achieving equal, accurate preload across all 20 studs.

What's in the CP893 kit

• 20 × head studs (XOTIC 7200 alloy)
• 20 × hardened parallel washers
• 20 × nuts
• 1 × socket
• 1 × allen wrench
• 1 × fastener assembly lubricant

Before you start: verify first

Confirm that part number CP893 is compatible with your application (2020–2026 Ford 7.3L Godzilla V8) before installing any components. Inspect all package contents and clean as necessary to ensure accurate installation. Report any obvious defects or shipping damage to us before proceeding.

How to install head studs on a 7.3L Godzilla

1. Clean the block threads. Clean the threads in the block prior to installing the studs to ensure proper fitment and accurate torque readings.
2. Install the studs hand-tight. Thread the head studs into the block by hand until snug. Do not apply torque.
3. Check stud height with a straightedge. Use a straightedge ruler to measure the distance from the mating surface (deck or main cap) to the top of each installed stud. Ensure all studs of the same length group sit level with each other (within 1 mm / 0.040”). Uneven height may indicate debris or incorrect thread engagement. Properly installed studs will bottom out smoothly and show uniform height across all positions. If a stud appears higher or lower than the others, remove it, re-clean the hole, and reinstall by hand. Do not use tools to force studs deeper. Incorrect stud seating can cause off-angle stress, uneven preload, or stud fracture during engine operation.
4. Set the gasket and head. Install the head gasket and cylinder head, ensuring proper alignment.
5. Clean the washer seating areas. Clean the washer seating surfaces on the cylinder head with a fast-evaporating solvent such as non-chlorinated brake cleaner to remove oil, grease, and contaminants. A clean surface is essential for achieving proper fastener preload.
6. Lubricate. Using the supplied fastener assembly lubricant, lubricate the stud threads and the bottom surface of the nuts.
7. Install the nuts. Thread the nuts onto the studs and hand-tighten until they make contact with the washers.
8. Torque in sequence. Follow the torque stages below in the numbered sequence shown in the manual's torque sequence diagram.

7.3L Godzilla head stud torque specs

Doing the bottom end too?

If the engine is apart for a full build, the Godzilla head & main stud combo kit (CP893 + MP890) locks down both ends of the block in one order.

Frequently asked questions

What are the torque specs for Godzilla head studs?

Three stages, in the numbered sequence: 50 ft-lbs, then 95 ft-lbs, then a final pass at 145 ft-lbs.

Which engines does the CP893 kit fit?

The 2020–2026 Ford 7.3L Godzilla V8.

Can I reuse my factory Godzilla head bolts?

No — they're torque-to-yield and single-use. If the heads are coming off, you're replacing fasteners either way, which is exactly when studs make sense.

Is there a matching main stud kit?

Yes — MP890 covers the Godzilla mains, and the head & main combo kit bundles both.

Need help?

For technical support, email support@xotic-performance.com. All XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ fasteners are covered by our limited lifetime warranty. Finished your install? Tag #XOTICPERFORMANCE on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

© 2026 XOTIC PERFORMANCE™. This installation guide is an original copyrighted work of XOTIC PERFORMANCE™. Reproduction, distribution, or use of this content in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Doc ref: 2025.11.08 (web edition 2026.08).