[reldridge]

Just because a friend didn't torque anything in a fresh built motor doesn't mean he wouldn't have had failure if he wouldn't have blown it first. He was just sh!+ lucky it didn't let go before hand...

Applying proper torque to anything is a good idea. With the tensile strength of some steels and aluminums, torque is needed to ensure a proper seal so you don't get blown head gaskets, walking cranks, etc. Also a good idea is following the proper torque sequence, especially with cylinder heads. I know with the new 4.6L Mustangs, you torque each bolt to X lbs/inch, then to Y lbs/inch, starting from the middle and working out.

That being said, proper torque should be used on the Zetec valve cover since it's plastic, and you don't want to over tighten it and crack that beotch. :D

Ryan