Engine paint question

[Goldie80]

Hello, I am currently painting my engine. I used VHT high temp primer (2 coats) and have just put one coat of Chevy orage/red. There is an orage peel texture to the block and the head. I was so excited about getting my engine back and moving along with the project, I didn't even give the texture a second though until someone asked, "didn't you even sand it?" Should I be concerned with the texture? Can I sand after the first coat of color? Thanks for the feedback.