Ford 7.3L Godzilla Main Stud Installation Guide (2020–2026) — MP890

This guide covers installation of the XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ MP890 main stud kit for the 2020–2026 Ford 7.3L Godzilla. Prefer a printable copy? Download the PDF manual.

Why a 7.3L Godzilla needs main studs

Godzilla is the modern big-block: a pushrod 7.3L V8 that responds to boost the way old iron used to, and the aftermarket has taken full advantage. Supercharged and turbocharged Godzillas are making numbers Ford never specified around, and everything that power does at the crank ends up in the main caps. On this engine that means both the vertical main studs and the side bolts that tie the caps into the block.

Studs handle the vertical load better than bolts for a structural reason. A bolt is torqued into the block, so it twists and stretches at the same time; a stud is threaded in finger-tight and stays still while the nut is torqued against it, loading the stud in pure tension. That gives more consistent, more accurate preload — the tensile force in the fastener that becomes clamp force in the joint — and preload is what keeps the bearing bores round. XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ main studs are manufactured from our premium XOTIC 7200 steel alloy and backed by a lifetime warranty.

What's in the MP890 kit

• 20 × main studs (XOTIC 7200 alloy) — M12 and M10
• 30 × hardened parallel washers
• 20 × nuts
• Side bolts
• Sockets
• 1 × allen wrench
• 1 × fastener assembly lubricant

Before you start: verify first

Confirm that part number MP890 is compatible with your application before installing any components. Inspect all package contents for damage and clean as necessary to ensure accurate installation. Report any obvious defects or shipping damage to us before proceeding.

How to install main studs on a 7.3L Godzilla

1. Chase the block threads. Clean the threads in the block with a thread chaser prior to installing the studs, to ensure accurate fitment and precise torque readings. The manual calls for two: M12 x 1.75 (CS307) and M10 x 1.50 (CS319).
2. Lube the block end of the stud. Apply the supplied assembly lube around the entire block-end thread of each stud.
3. Thread the studs in by hand. Run the studs in by hand — do not torque the studs into the block.
4. 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.
5. Clean up and set the caps. Wipe away excess lube, then install the main caps and make sure each is fully seated.
6. Fit the washers dry. Place the washers on the studs with no lubricant on them, chamfer oriented toward the underside of the nut. When the caps come down evenly, the washers should not spin freely.
7. Lubricate the nuts. Brush lube evenly over the full engagement length of each nut, and apply a thin even film where the nut face contacts the washer.
8. Prepare the side bolts. Apply lube to the side bolt threads and under the bolt heads only, then install them by hand.
9. Torque in three equal steps. Using the engine builder's or OEM tightening order, bring the main nuts up to final torque in three equal steps, then torque the side bolts.
10. Check the bores. Check the main bearing bores for size and roundness. Perform an align hone if needed, using the same fasteners, lubricant and specified torque you'll use at final assembly.

7.3L Godzilla main stud torque specs

Reach each final value in three equal steps across the full sequence — not one fastener at a time to final torque.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main stud torque specs for a 7.3L Godzilla?

M12 studs to 125 ft-lbs, M10 studs to 70 ft-lbs, and the M10 side bolts to 60 ft-lbs — each reached in three equal steps using the builder's or OEM tightening order.

Why shouldn't I lubricate the washers?

Because a washer that can spin freely changes the friction the torque wrench is reading, and preload varies from stud to stud as a result. Lube the stud threads, the nut engagement length, and the nut-to-washer contact face — leave the washer itself dry.

Which thread chasers do I need?

Two: M12 x 1.75 (CS307) and M10 x 1.50 (CS319).

Do the side bolts get torqued with the mains?

After. Bring the vertical main nuts to final torque in sequence first, then torque the side bolts to 60 ft-lbs.

Head studs too?

See our Godzilla head stud guide (CP893), or save on the pair with the head and main stud combo kit.

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: 2026.01.31 (web edition 2026.08).