Main cap woes

[Brads67]

Hi guys, I have messed around with my fair share of cobra aluminum blocks, but I am working on an iron 4.6 out of a 99 gt and I am confused about the main caps.

On the aluminum cobra blocks the main caps fit flush on the sides where the 2 side bolts go in, on this iron block there is a gap between the main caps and the side of the block. There are some spacers that look like washers, but are they supposed to be there? I know the block was machined elsewhere before, but I am confused right now are all iron 4.6 blocks this way or are they supposed to have the gap with the spacers? The cobra blocks are like LS1 blocks as to how the main caps fit but I am wondering if someone ground the sides down and put these spacer washers in place to fit them in easier?

Any help or picture would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[PER Race Engines]

hey
we do a lot of 4.6/ 5.4 motors and i not sure what you are describing , the 4.6 should have something that looks like dowels that go on each side of the main cap or like the 03 cobra they will look like a wash on the side of the main cap but have a hex inside for a alenwrench witch is adj. out to thur the side of block went the cap has been installed , if you need more help call me randy 815-254-2333

[Nvr_Evil]

The 4.6L truck block i tore down had the same thing. The main caps were about an 1/8th shy on each side and the spacers look like they help absorb a little of the shock of the rotating mass. I do have a spare set of main caps for the 4.6L if anyone is rebuilding a block. It is the 4 bolt (two underneath and one on each side.)

[PER Race Engines]

so what did you fine out about your caps ?