• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Sidewinder Aluminum Heads

RockyPat

Well-Known Member
Local time
12:24 AM
Joined
Jun 7, 2021
Messages
414
Reaction score
115
Location
California
Hello everyone I have been looking at aluminum heads for my 440.

I have 906 heads that need to be rebuilt, so that is an option.

I could also try to find some rebuilt iron heads that someone is selling as a cheap alternative. Really considering this option.

I have read that aluminum heads are good to consider instead of rebuilding iron heads.

I have seen Edlebrock Performer RPM heads about $1600 for a pair, E streets for about $1200 a pair.

I have seen 440 source heads $1200 a pair right now.

And lastly, I have found these Sidewinder heads $895 a pair with valves and no springs.

These Sidewinder heads seem like RPM knockoffs, but come from a machine shop. Meaning that they should be theoretically ready to run out of the box. They also have the same flow numbers as the RPMs if I am correct.
http://mopartsracing.com/parts/Sidewinder.html

My 440 is going to be no greater than 475 hp when it is finished. Hopefully going to use the stock rocker assembly.

What would you guys do?

I would like the most cost effective solution, but willing to pay a bit more if the benefits are worth it.

Thanks!
 
Hello everyone I have been looking at aluminum heads for my 440.

I have 906 heads that need to be rebuilt, so that is an option.

I could also try to find some rebuilt iron heads that someone is selling as a cheap alternative. Really considering this option.

I have read that aluminum heads are good to consider instead of rebuilding iron heads.

I have seen Edlebrock Performer RPM heads about $1600 for a pair, E streets for about $1200 a pair.

I have seen 440 source heads $1200 a pair right now.

And lastly, I have found these Sidewinder heads $895 a pair with valves and no springs.

These Sidewinder heads seem like RPM knockoffs, but come from a machine shop. Meaning that they should be theoretically ready to run out of the box. They also have the same flow numbers as the RPMs if I am correct.
http://mopartsracing.com/parts/Sidewinder.html

My 440 is going to be no greater than 475 hp when it is finished. Hopefully going to use the stock rocker assembly.

What would you guys do?

I would like the most cost effective solution, but willing to pay a bit more if the benefits are worth it.

Thanks!
The Sidewinders dont come with springs because Marsh Perdormance assembles them for your cam spec.
I wouldnt hesitate to buy them if finances were limiting factor, Eddys are all on backnorder from what Ive read lately.
The Aluminum will flow better and takes about 40 lbs off the nose of your car compared to cast iron..
But the cast iron will get you close to where you want for a cruiser. A lot of hotrods run them without issue.
 
All of the heads you’re considering will get the job done.

What it will likely come down to when you’re ready to pull the trigger will be what’s actually available.
 
You're not going to find Edelbrock for quite some time
 
Have a set of those on a 440. They work great. They all need to go to the Machine shop anyways and Marsh does a great job.
 
The Sidewinders dont come with springs because Marsh Perdormance assembles them for your cam spec.
I wouldnt hesitate to buy them if finances were limiting factor, Eddys are all on backnorder from what Ive read lately.
The Aluminum will flow better and takes about 40 lbs off the nose of your car compared to cast iron..
But the cast iron will get you close to where you want for a cruiser. A lot of hotrods run them without issue.

Okay that makes sense about the Sidewinders. Good to hear that they are heads worth buying on a limited budget.

I did not know that the Edlebrocks are back ordered.

The weight savings from aluminum heads are great, but it is nice to know that iron heads can do the job if need be.

Thanks for the comment.
 
All of the heads you’re considering will get the job done.

What it will likely come down to when you’re ready to pull the trigger will be what’s actually available.


Thanks for your comment. I have not looked at aluminum heads that way. Lol. I will have to check availability when I possibly try to buy some.
 
Have a set of those on a 440. They work great. They all need to go to the Machine shop anyways and Marsh does a great job.

Thanks for your review of the Sidewinders. I agree that they should be taken to a machine shop first. Good to know that they work great. I am strongly considering them.
 
Beware of the plug ports, if you are running stock exhaust manifolds watch for angel plugs (just something to Beware of)

Thanks for the heads up! I will keep this in mind. I think I am going to run headers, but I am not too excited because they are a pain to work with.
 
Thanks for the heads up! I will keep this in mind. I think I am going to run headers, but I am not too excited because they are a pain to work with.
There is an episode on u tube at Nick's Guarge headers vs Manifolds and he was surprised. You should watch it you might change your mind
 
I've done a TON of research lately and have talked to Marsh Performance a few times now. I wouldn't hesitate to order the Sidewinders and they have been a very strong contender in my search for new heads.
 
There is an episode on u tube at Nick's Guarge headers vs Manifolds and he was surprised. You should watch it you might change your mind

Thanks for your comment. I will definitely check out his video. I like Nick's Garage a lot. It's very interesting.
 
I've done a TON of research lately and have talked to Marsh Performance a few times now. I wouldn't hesitate to order the Sidewinders and they have been a very strong contender in my search for new heads.

Thanks for letting me know. I am glad to hear that they seem like good heads. They seem nice for the price. Good luck on your search as well!
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top