The Built Engine In My SVT Cobra is ALIVE But There's a BIG PROBLEM!!

In this video I finish installing the brand new built motor in my 2003 sonic blue cobra! Once I finish up all the odds and ends we give it its first start and it fires right up, but there's a big issue! Keep an eye out for the next video as I think i've already determined the cause (sneak peek at the very end)!
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Chris Sullivan
P.O. Box 471 Greenland NH 03840
Instagram: chris_sully...
Products used:
Torque Wrench 3/8" drive: amzn.to/3GOhYAy
Torque Wrench 1/4" drive: amzn.to/486T6jy
Supercharger Oil: amzn.to/3vwrhSZ
Siphon Pump: amzn.to/48KVTyL

[@shaun9156]

Engine: TAP TAP TAP Chris: That's not good! Hemi guys: First time?

[@Voltuh]

I have a ‘98 cobra with 32k miles, and watching your videos makes me want to take it apart for no reason 😂 sick garage, sick cars, sick content!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thank you sir 🤝

[@gilbertahsam643]

It's a minor problem. Sounds like a rocker that out of adjustment. It's not a rod because you would know that sound. Another thing might be exhaust leak. But you are the guy that knows the best because you are the best of the best on cars. Have a blessed day and l know you will fix this problem.

[@wilbready]

Sounds like the lifter tap I had a month ago on my Ram 5.7 Hemi. I had 117k and the hydraulic lifter failed taking out the camshaft. I caught it that same day but the damage was done. I’m sure you found it early enough to save the internal parts. Great videos, Chris! ~WilPaul

[@snipersteve378]

Something in the valve train hope its a simple fix!

[@keithczerniawski]

That sounds about right and he put in the bio that he did find the issue at the end and it’s fixed, I think he said that anyway for now, but I’m loving the progress on this build. Easily one of my favorite underrated channels out there right now. Every car is one I own or one I wanted to own I unfortunately couldn’t afford a Cobra especially not a terminator one. So awesome and crazy the market value on these cars are crazy.

[@Turkey-Tickler]

Completely agree. Makes me wonder if those header flanges have a warp in them. They were pretty rough…

[@gilbertahsam643]

@Turkey-Tickler sometimes the gaskets are the reason and when the weather is cold they come loose after the engine gets hot. But this guy he's a wizard and will find the problem real quick.

[@Jkerb720]

Definitely sounds like a lash adjuster failed and lost its prime causing the rocker to move. Should be able to lock in the chain with a timing wedge and remove the cam for replacement. Definitely a bummer after all of that work- appreciate the detailed videos 👍🏻

[@bobbydouglas16]

yup

[@Peter_Gozinya_]

Damn just watched the most recent video and this guy knew exactly what was wrong lol

[@stephenblanco5872]

Only thing more intense than the pre-first start butterflies, is the pit in your stomach when you hear that unknown tapping noise , but anything can be fixed , hopefully is something simple like a tensioner or rocker .

[@ChrisSullivan69]

It's a rollercoaster of emotions lol

[@juliomora7353]

@@ChrisSullivan69 can only imagine. Love your videos and teaches most of us the challenges it comes with building an engine. Hope it’s an easy fix tho. 💪

[@LoudStereoTINYDICK]

I can't even imagine the butterflies on an engine build like this... I do big car stereos and its always butterflies before the first test but its nothing even close to an engine build! Respect to all engine builders out there its not easy

[@CarpentersandCars]

The 03-04 terminator is my dream car. This build was actually how I was introduced to your channel. You did an outstanding job! I don't know a lot about the overhead valve system but that has to be something simple. I could see the emotion in your eyes. I would have felt the same. Thank you for all your content it has been educational and inspirational!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thank you sir 🤝

[@SVTVasquez]

Thanks for showing the good with the bad. Working on cars never goes as smooth as some other channels make it seem. I enjoy the long videos compared to the 5min to 10 minute videos that make it seem like the builds are just perfect and smooth. Hope it all gets worked out good luck keep killing it.

[@01Snorky]

Nice work! Sounds like it spit a rocker though. The long format is awesome!!

[@MrCecilbag]

Damn. After all that hard work, that's a hearbreaker. With all your attention to detail, that can be disheartening. Keep the motivation my man, it will work out. Love the content

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it+

[@towmannc3152]

You guy remember SPIKE TV on a Saturday morning,This is that good if not better ‼️

[@jlioi1017]

Hope it’s an easy fix for ya man! Car has came a long way and all your hard work is not overlooked. Always wanted a sonic blue terminator and love watching you save this one 💪🏼

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thank you sir!

[@kitvexed8229]

i would've relocated that battery.. anything beyond centerline of the axle leaves improvement.. ya did everything else

[@MrSmokin04]

4V's are SUPER sensitive to oil weight brother. That sound is a collapsed lash adjuster (or two). If they're not Ford GT lash adjusters (which ran 15W-50 oil), you MUST run a 5W-20 (or 0W-20) because the orifice size in the Cobra LAs is too small for the thicker oil. I'll bet the rockers were about to come off...or they did which would cause a ton of damage. Swap to the thin stuff man. Sorry for the pain.

[@midnight347]

Lots of guys fun 5w30 on these without issues. The newer 07 up gt500 have Ford gt heads so they take 5w50 stock I run 10w40 in mine without issue at 750 rwhp. These engines were spec for 5w30 originally only reason Ford changed to 5w20 was emissions and mpg crap.

[@calebjefferson7639]

The tapping/ticking kinda sounds like a lash adjuster or roller follower to me. I have a 5.4 and its got the same thing. Can't wait to see it on the road!

[@adamscustomshop]

Use a black Sharpie to touch it up. Easy. Love the videos man and keep it up!!!!!

[@jacobwaters5845]

Watching you work on your car motivates me to get my 03 GT back up and running. Picked up a mark viii engine and swaping that in.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Awesome!

[@shanereimer7638]

That oil is waaaaaaay too thick. If you’re running 80+PSI at idle then the pump is already bypassing oil at idle flow. Thinner oil may fix the lash tick too.

[@Abuildinprocess]

Sounds like a lifter, loose rocker or maybe timing chain? Top end. Good luck man

[@randomname7636]

Another great video Chris. Full confidence you get this corrected!

[@terrykaz5095]

You do great work. My heart is tapping with that engine, damn.

[@NoSleepTilGitmo]

The ups and downs of a new build can be frustrating for sure, thanks for keeping it real. Hoping you figure it out quickly and it's nothing bad, Godspeed!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Hope so!

[@Wraith-tu3ri]

Glad i stumbled on this channel, been watching the build from the day you bought it. Hope its an easy fix and doesnt have to get torn back down. Great work all together including the vlog so we can see alot of progress each video.

[@Suprnova84]

I just can't get enough of this great content/channel! 👍

[@garrettstayton]

Hydraulic lash adjuster or roller follower, minor issue 🤘

[@nique_3036]

Sick rebuild , thanks for the content

[@topboydanny1194]

Shout out to harbor freight for always having something we need for the right price and I like the beats you choose

[@topgama6622]

Keep the cobra content coming🎉

[@davidfry3604]

Check cam lifters and buckets

[@jeffedmisten6576]

Dang man. As a fellow car enthusiast, been there many many times. It's always something. Keep us posted and keep up the amazing work!! Your channel kicks ASS.

[@coreydenis6695]

I’ve really enjoyed watching this build. It’s come so far from the beginning. Hope it’s an easy fix man. Can’t wait for the next episode.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Fingers crossed!

[@bOOmbOOmProd]

The dreaded tapa tapa. You got this! Such a sick build.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@Supercruze]

Love the way you go about getting things done. Keep the faith. One step at a time. Good luck with the troubleshooting.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Absolutely man. Gotta take the highs with the lows

[@Nixtide]

Hoping it is a easy fix, great to see that beast back together again. Engine bay is looking very tidy indeed!!

[@Lethal_Venom]

Great build, hopefully the issue it has is an easy fix, looking forward to seeing what it is

[@romanthecobraguy]

sometimes things happen, i know the issue will get fixed and we will be seeing fun videos of it driving soon. kudos to you my man can’t wait to see it running, my cobra blew the diff so we just got a built solid rear axle

[@Justin_Spears]

love the content brotha, also love that your inner teenager shows drifting around in the snow having a blast!

[@saulmolina1270]

ME AND MY FAMILY WATCHING, LEARNING AND ENJOYING YOUR NEW VIDEO CHRIS❤❤GREETINGS FROM SONORA MEXICO

[@INTEGRASOSA]

Great job Chris I'm sure you'll figure it out you very good at it 👍stay motivated

[@danlaur7973]

A realistic video Chris showing the highs & the lows.......you will get it figured out...keep up the good work

[@jeremyt6234]

Build series has been pretty sweet.

[@user-ix7ko2iq3r]

Love watching your videos buddy you really have been inspirational keep the videos coming

[@davidstephens8871]

Love this project, fantastic job on the motor. Can't wait for the next video.

[@babaoreally8220]

It’s fortunate that you know that to properly fill coolant in these,they must be filled thru the coolant bung on the crossover tube with engine running and all air bubbles stop coming thru the bung.I would suggest a coolant temperature gauge in lieu of their idiot light.Installed a billet oil pump in mine,also.It was great that you mentioned and addressed all of the problems encountered in your install for us viewers to know what to learn from.You gonna have fun.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Yes proper coolant bleeding is critical on these 4V engines

[@AnthKdd]

The suspense is killing me.... i cant wait another week to see what was wrong.... Chris, Don't do this to us! We need the fix video immediately! 😂😂😂

[@henryteague5902]

Keep at it man. I admire your meticulousness. You’ll find the problem and sort it out quickly. Building oil pressure that quickly + s steady idle is a good sign.

[@Nitroxdude]

Man all your hard work and dedication is so much appreciated you have no idea , all the people watching this build taking this roller coaster ride of ups and downs , all rooting for you man in hopes that it all turns out good for you , really have this beautiful machine looking amazing! I my self just sold a built 03 Sonic blue terminator hard top few months back , and watching you work on yours makes me miss mine . Looking forward to the next video drop brother you have some amazing rides and putting in the long hours and hard work , after all that you can sit back and rest up and admire all you’re awesome accomplishments in the garage ! Rest up brother!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it bro 🤝

[@gordonchagrin4111]

sorry to hear the tapping...you did all you could along the way..hope it's not too bad...thanks for sharing the good and bad with us...enjoy the channel...

[@Lostautofilm]

It’s a bummer that the Cobra is tapping but I know you’ll figure it out! Excited for the next episode 🤘🏾

[@shannonshepard5047]

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to the next one. Hoping it’s not a major issue. Peace out!

[@tariqahmed8000]

Good job. Keep it up. Big fan of your work

[@jbnnm657]

Im on the edge of my seat. Need the next video Asap. Great content man.

[@alexdavis6566]

Watched the whole video, just coming back and commenting that i I'm waiting for the next video to see how its running. No rush, just can't wait

[@darrenharris2978]

Watching from Louisville, Kentucky Sunday morning

[@PedroAsfora]

I feel like Chris is what Captain America should have been 😂 I can imagine his routine: up at 6am, pours a coffee that lasts the whole day aside from him drinking at regular intervals, and rebuilds engines all day with sprinkles of dry humor throughout. The guy is clearly a superhero

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Lmao thanks man

[@superbeeblaze]

holy cliffhanger lmao. Looking great. The tone of voice with the "ohh yeah, ok, oh my god" doesnt sound terminal so thats good.

[@brummy444]

I could feel the defeat after being so meticulous on putting it all back together. It happens, hopefully just something in that valve train that makes itself evident. Great work so far

[@MrMulli0303]

I used to do a lot of work on cars with a friend and often talked about what it would be like if you had your own garage and could do work at home. What a dream you have there. I hope the next video comes as soon as possible.

[@celsogarcia1882]

Dr.!!!!! It's alive Great freaking job Chris Never doubt you bro... For some reason this cobra has me hooked on the built Looking forward on the next video

[@ChrisSullivan69]

🤙🤙

[@gregrowell3027]

Sorry to hear.....Keep on Keepin on. Love watching your videos. It'll all be worth it, right after I watch you button up the engine, detail and roll that sweet sonic blue out of the garage for some lucky owner after purchase (and a test drive:) !

[@caseman8354]

Love the content! Keep your head up! Hoping it is an easy fix!

[@thesearch9048]

Love the progress! Hope the tapping is something minor. Appreciate you showing the highs and the lows of a build. Lord knows something always goes wrong on my projects.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Can't all be sunshine and rainbows lol

[@travisfarr21]

Really hope you can get that figured out. Wishing nothing but the best for you man. Can’t wait to see the next video.

[@MrFlabbybeast]

Great video! Valve train noise for sure….Something simple I really hope bro! Doesn’t diminish your work at all…..Great job as always!

[@danielsmith7935]

Keep on keeping on your determination always prevails. Good luck and envious you will have another Terminator! May have a rocker popped out they make that horrific noise with a new build.

[@AlexPerkins252]

Haven’t watched the whole video as of typing this just hearing the clip at the beginning, however it sounds like a top end tapping sound not a bottom end knocking. Best thing to do while you’re ahead is pop the valve covers back off.

[@paulhudgins5120]

Damn bud, what a bummer, i know you can figure it out and fix it, at first i was thinking a bad header leak, but it was not, seems to be in the top end, by your reaction at the end of the video, good luck Chris, hope it's not bad.

[@Wayneinastang]

A Sunday upload is a blessing

[@acrocketsfan]

You will overcome this issue. It's this way in life...ups and downs. Love your channel. I've learned quite a bit just watching you. Keep it up!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it!

[@SicilianSVT]

Awesome car, and i agree, it is not a rod knock and im sure you’ll figure it out quickly and get it resolved. I’d love to see more on the building of this car. Great work so far!👍🏼

[@Joeybot]

Love following the channel. Sounds like you found the issue at the end. I was first going to say it was a valve guide. These cars are bad with valve guides wearing . U need to replace them with bronze valve guides. I had that same issue. I have a full rebuild on my channel. GL

[@markconrad5901]

I wish I had an answer for you but after watching all your vids I am sure you will correct the problem. Amazing talent Chris.

[@kensnyder2340]

Excellent video!! The noise sounds high in the engine. Valvetrain, as someone stated below me.....😊

[@jamesestrada82]

I was smiling for most of the video, and then the end hits you in the nuts. Crossing my fingers it’s an easy-ish fix man. Can’t wait to see the next upload.

[@ToasterBath_713]

Love the content as always! My first car was a ‘94 z28 Camaro and second a ‘04 cobra. I had that same tape previously on my c5 z06 when my dad and I did a cam swap. Turns out one we forgot to tighten one of the pushrods and hopefully that’s all this is. Keep up the awesome work!

[@chevyracing1080]

Love your videos - I had literally mentioned to a buddy of mine I would never put in an unknown to me engine that I didn’t proposition someone to build for me because of this exact reason. You’re basically rolling the dice it was done correctly.. great learning lesson here for everyone.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks. Not really the case here though. It's a brand shortblock from a reputable local machine shop and the issue isn't anything to do with that.

[@jonathanvelez4486]

Another masterpiece of a video. Keep up the great work brother 🫡

[@ChrisSullivan69]

🤝

[@B0RRAC0]

A Chris Sullivan upload? Today's gonna be a good day! 😁

[@ChrisSullivan69]

You know it!

[@user-ts8iz6lj3q]

I’m sorry you’re having those problems but I really do enjoy your program I know you’re smart enough to get it figured out I’m looking forward to more programs Thank you Mark Reid.

[@jamiesvt]

Great vid man ! Its coming along. Hopefully not to much !

[@Frankly91]

Awesome stuff dude!

[@probation2propagation420]

Thanks for always showing the good and the bad! This is the real stuff! We all run into problems

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Always!

[@Badazgt]

Great series on this cobra! Hate to hear the valve train noise

[@Leonardo555ZZZ]

You know way more than me , but I'd be draining that 15w-40 diesel oil straight away and putting in something closer to the specified for that engine. Good luck Chris , hope it is all good.

[@hahaha12345678993]

as many have said, its got to be top end, to me it sounds like a big exhaust leak so something with that valvetrain maybe. you would think it would take much longer run time and abuse to get that loud of a rod knock (unless if engine was assembled without a bearing which very unlikely). good content man, i miss my cobra, thats what brought me to this channel

[@svtpower03]

Another great video. That sound definitely makes the heart drop I’ve been there haha. Hopefully it’s a lifter that isn’t pumping up with oil or maybe a rocker is loose or even maybe fell off I’ve seen that before. Definitely sounds like a top end noise in the head.

[@ESEALDO07]

Def feel you with the first start up heart pounding feelinglol also Being that this is almost identical engine plan build i have for mine i enjoy the build and content and attention to detail! Keep up the great work man! Looking forward to next video

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Right on 🤝

[@louischin6476]

Sorry to hear that tapping noise but you're the man and will get it right in no time...hopefully it minor fix. An off topic subject...get yourself a snow broom. It's a type of styrofoam push and pull type snow removal tool. It clears your car 123, just punch it up online. Love your KZbin channel...Absolute Best!

[@anonymous..-]

I was relieved you found it on the top end.

[@matthewburkholder1076]

Never ceases to amaze me how good you make these cars look🤌🏼

[@Tommy-Tucker]

Sounds valvetrain noise, love the car ! Wicked machine.

[@jarrodhopkins4521]

Another great video! It sounds like a stuck lifter. If these are new lifters, then I would let idle a little longer to see if it primes itself. If it’s not a new lifter then I would buy all new OEM lifters, pre-soak in oil then install.

[@sqr2024]

Always entertaining to watch you channel and progress. Big thumbs up. However I would never ever start up a build unless the oil pressure prime is there…just my opinion Don’t fret and just keep working at it because wrenchen always has its pitfalls.

[@CamaroThings]

Reusing old gas for your 4 stroke snow blower has to be the most Canadian thing I have seen you do 😂

[@elicrowe2479]

I’ve just subscribed, watched all your cobra videos. Really enjoy them. Hopefully you fix the tapping noise soon. I was thinking it’s maybe a lifter or rocker

[@toddgoulart6961]

Your videos are so dope I’m always checking to see when your next video comes out I’m a huge new edge fan I have two of them a 2004 Mach 1 dark shadow gray and a black 2000 gt but even your other build are cool to keep up on right on man keep it up

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Right on man🤝

[@Jdf1966]

Like your video’s Car is awesome Can’t wait to see it finished

[@macgroober1396]

Keep it up man, you're almost there. Sometimes ya gotta take two steps back and then one forward.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Most definitely!

[@johnvilleneuve7944]

Sounds exactly like a lash adjuster. I can’t remember if you put a new set of adjusters in but if not, get a complete set of 32 and new Ford “GT” cam followers. I think LMR might have a complete kit. Sucks now that the engine is in the car as getting the drivers valve cover off is a pain but on mine I just took the clutch cable out and lowered the k member and I just barely got it out. I have been there dude, with that exact noise. It’ll be fine just don’t run it anymore so it won’t beat up the cam lobe. You got her spanked though! So exciting it runs good !

[@bonecrrusherSS]

Motion Raceworks sells a 12 bolt cap/flange for that intercooler tank. I replaced the garbage plastic cap for a billet/anodized black one for my 2650 setup on my c6.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Damn it could have saved a couple hours lol

[@bonecrrusherSS]

@@ChrisSullivan69 yeah man - no more horrible leaking cap. Plus the red plastic looks horrible against my engine bay. Funny thing is - I am actually using a Mustang Moroso tank where the stock battery went. It clamps down using the battery tie down. I moved the battery to the back and had the tank powdercoated black so its a super clean under hood ice tank now.

[@jbleibtrey]

Damn, glad I stayed all the way to the end. Can't wait for the next video.