1.) Make sure the threads in the block are clean and free from debris.
A. Blow head bolt holes out with compressed air, in some situations you may need to
use a flat bottoming tap to properly clean the holes.
2.) Lightly coat the bottom of the stud with some of the provided ARP Ultra Lube or engine oil.
3.) Install the stud into the block hand tight.
A. Be sure to clean any excess lube or oil off of the deck surface once all studs are
installed.
4.) Install a new cylinder head gasket.
5.) Carefully slide the cylinder head on to the engine block.
A. Be careful to no hit the bottom of the head on the studs during installation.
6.) Install the washers with the knurled side down.
7.) Apply ARP Ultra Lube to the threads of the stud, the top of the washer (part that contacts
the nut), and the bottom of the nut.
8.) Following the torque sequence below, torque the nuts to 35 ft-lbs and loosen them 3 times
in a row.
9.) Finally, following the torque sequence below, torque the studs 35 ft-lbs, 55 ft-lbs, and then
100 ft-lbs.

For best results, we recommend letting the engine sit overnight and rechecking torque,
when possible.

Important Clarification

EMS test stand validation is not a complete operational break-in.

This process confirms workmanship and assembly integrity only.

Final ring seating, load conditioning, and operational break-in must still be completed by the installer/end user in accordance with the EMS Break-In Policy outlined below.

Failure to complete required break-in procedures may affect warranty eligibility.

Warranty begins the day engine is shipped or picked up by customer.

Shipping Inspection Requirement

All EMS engine shipments must be inspected at the time of delivery.

The recipient is responsible for carefully examining the crate and contents for any visible damage before signing for the shipment.

If damage is observed:

• Note the damage clearly on the delivery receipt before signing
• Photograph the crate and affected areas immediately
• Contact EMS within 24 hours

Signing for a shipment without noting visible damage confirms that the engine was received in acceptable condition.

EMS cannot be responsible for shipping damage that is not documented at the time of delivery.

We strongly recommend inspecting all freight deliveries thoroughly prior to acceptance.

1) EMS Pre-Shipment Craftsmanship Validation

(Sealed Engine Program Only)

Each EMS Sealed Engine is individually validated prior to shipment.

This in-house validation cycle is performed to confirm craftsmanship, mechanical integrity, and assembly quality before the engine leaves our facility.

During this controlled test stand process, the engine is:

• Brought to full operating temperature
• Operated through variable RPM ranges
• Subjected to controlled variable throttle load
• Monitored for proper oil pressure
• Inspected for oil and coolant leaks under load
• Verified for fluid level stability
• Checked for overall mechanical integrity

Conventional oil is used during this validation process.

Following the validation cycle, the engine oil and filter are replaced prior to shipment.

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2. Initial Break-In Oil & Filter Requirements

(Mandatory for Warranty Compliance)

Upon receipt and installation of the engine, the following oil and filter requirements are mandatory for the first 500 miles of operation.

Oil Type – First 500 Miles

• Conventional (non-synthetic) engine oil is required.
• Break-in oil is acceptable.
• Synthetic oil is not permitted during the initial 500-mile break-in period.
• Oil viscosity must fall within the 5W-30 to 10W-40 range unless otherwise specified by EMS for your application.

Conventional oil is required to promote proper piston ring seating and controlled wear stabilization during initial operation.

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Oil Filter Requirement

• Motorcraft FL400S oil filter is required.
• Use of non-OEM or aftermarket oil filters is not permitted during the break-in period.

EMS engines are built around OEM-based oil system specifications. Proper filtration and bypass characteristics are critical during initial break-in.

Failure to use the specified oil filter may affect warranty eligibility.

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500-Mile Service

At 500 miles:

• Oil and filter must be replaced.
• Motorcraft FL400S filter must be used again.
• Oil should remain conventional for continued stabilization unless otherwise directed in Section 4 below.

Oil change documentation (date and mileage) should be retained for warranty purposes.

3. Initial Startup Data Log Requirement

(Mandatory for All EMS Engine Installations)

A startup data log is required for every EMS engine installation.

This requirement applies to all engines regardless of whether the vehicle is tuned by EMS or by a third-party calibrator.

Submission of startup data is mandatory for warranty validation.

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When the Log Must Be Performed

The first startup log must be recorded:

• Immediately following initial engine start
• After confirming proper oil and coolant levels
• Before normal driving or load operation

The vehicle must not be operated beyond light throttle and controlled RPM conditions until the startup log has been completed.

---

Logging Parameters

Important:
Logging requirements differ depending on vehicle platform, model year, ECU strategy, and tuning software.

The parameters listed below are examples of commonly required channels and may vary by application.

Installers and tuners must contact EMS prior to startup to confirm the correct logging parameters for their specific engine, vehicle platform, and tuning software.

Failure to log the appropriate channels for your application may affect warranty eligibility.

Example Required Channels

• Air Fuel Ratio (AFR)
• Low Side Fuel Pressure
• High Side Fuel Pressure (if applicable)
• Ignition Timing
• Knock Retard / Knock Activity
• Coolant Temperature
• Engine RPM
• MAP / Boost Pressure

If equipped, oil pressure should also be logged.

Logs missing critical channels may be rejected.

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Log Duration and Operating Conditions

The startup log must:

• Run a minimum of 5–10 minutes
• Include stable idle monitoring
• Include controlled RPM variation between idle and 2,500 RPM
• Include light throttle transitions
• Avoid wide open throttle
• Boost is OK, no full throttle.
• Remain at or below wastegate spring pressure

This procedure verifies proper fueling, base calibration stability, cooling system operation, and absence of abnormal detonation during initial operation.

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Log Submission Requirements

• Startup log must be submitted to EMS within 24 hours of initial engine start.
• Submission must include customer name, order number, engine configuration, vehicle platform, and tuner information if applicable.
• Logs must be emailed to: [sales@emsinc-tn.com]

EMS reserves the right to request additional logs or documentation prior to approving continued operation.

Failure to submit required startup data may affect warranty eligibility.

4. Initial 0–500 Mile Break-In Procedure

(Mandatory)

The first 500 miles are critical for ring seating and bearing stabilization. The following limits must be followed.

RPM Limit

• Do not exceed 4,500 RPM during the first 500 miles.
• Avoid sustained high-RPM operation.
• Vary RPM within the permitted range.

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Boost and Load Limit

• No wide open throttle.
• Boost must remain at or below wastegate spring pressure.
• Avoid sustained boost events.

Controlled, moderate load with varying throttle input is recommended.

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Driving Restrictions

During the first 500 miles:

• Avoid extended steady highway cruising.
• Do not lug the engine under load.
• No hard launches.
• No racing or competitive driving.
• No dyno tuning.

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500-Mile Service

At 500 miles:

• Replace oil and filter per Section 2.
• Inspect for leaks or abnormal conditions.

Full load and final tuning may proceed after completion of the 500-mile service.

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5. Warranty Compliance

Compliance with Sections 2, 3, and 4 is required for warranty consideration.

The following are mandatory:

• Proper break-in oil and filter usage
• Submission of required startup log
• Adherence to RPM and boost limits
• Completion of 500-mile oil service

Warranty may be affected by:

• Missing startup logs
• Excessive RPM or boost during break-in
• Improper oil or filter usage
• Improper installation or mechanical negligence
• Detonation or lean operation during startup

Each claim is reviewed individually.

Even in situations where warranty coverage cannot be approved, EMS remains committed to supporting our customers. Our goal is to help

1.) Make sure the threads in the block are clean and free from debris
A. Blow head bolt holes out with compressed air, in some situations you may need to
use a flat bottoming tap to properly clean the holes
2.) Lightly coat the bottom of the stud with some of the provided ARP Ultra Lube or engine oil
3.) Install the stud into the block hand tight
A. Be sure to clean any excess lube or oil off of the deck surface once all studs are
installed
4.) Install a new cylinder head gasket
5.) Carefully slide the cylinder head on to the engine block
A. Be careful to no hit the bottom of the head on the studs during installation
6.) Install the washers with the chamfer side down
7.) Apply ARP Ultra Lube to the threads of the stud, the top of the washer (part that contacts
the nut), and the bottom of the nut
8.) Following the torque sequence below, torque the nuts to 35 ft-lbs and loosen them 3 times
in a row
9.) Finally, following the torque sequence below, torque the studs 35 ft-lbs, 55 ft-lbs, and then
80 ft-lbs.

For best results, we recommend letting the engine sit overnight and rechecking torque,
when possible.

When adding more power, you’ll need more fuel.

Here’s our step-by-step instruction on >> How to install Aux Fuel Adapter and Rail?

The TS block is identified by its semi-closed deck and the shared coolant jackets between cylinders. The 2.3 block is an open deck block and has a bolt-on water pump housing. This distinguishes the 2.3 blocks from the others and can lead to confusion when swapping to the ST or TS blocks.

READ ALL > What is the difference between the TS, ST, and 2.3L cylinder blocks?