Stevec

Has anyone used Rocket Racing cylinder heads? How do they compare to the edelbrocks? Are they worked over Procomps?

Thanks...

380 Racer

Worked over ProComps?......not hardly. The RR heads are a performance head, where an Edelbrock is an aluminum replacement for a C head. My RR heads haven't had a lot done to them and supported 730 HP on my 425 SB stroker with no problems. I'm very pleased with them.

Stevec

I saw on the RR web site they sold pro comp heads so I thought maybe they reworked them.

Are those RR heads a good alternative for a performance street engine?

cutlassefi

No, sorry Nick.
A good set of Procomps or Edelbrocks would be all you need and then some for your target.
The RR heads require non-stock parts, not very practical unless your goal is 550+hp and you have more $$$ to spend.

Jmo.

real57vetteguy

+ 1
I agree totally. They are nice heads, but overkill for less than 550-600 hp and geared more towards racing. I'd pick up some nice ported C heads, or have a set ported, or use the Edelbrocks, I love mine!

380 Racer

Sorry Mark but I believe everything I said, if you want performance.

ah64pilot

Steve, for the goals that you have recently mentioned (Street cruising only with no track time) I think anything above a stock 455 is a waste of money. You can have plenty of fun with a stock headed 455 with decent pistons and a good cam.

Because you have been asking me about stroker kits, eagle crank and rods, and having BTR build your engine for you I was under the impression you were going for something above average. You don't need Edelbrock heads, let alone Rocket Racing heads for what you are trying to do. I apologize for wasting your time, but my advice was given under the consideration that you would be trying to get maximum performance out of it.

chadman

The RR heads are also known for dropping valve seats.

My442

Look at this as $$ per HP increase.

400 HP in a BB Olds can easily be done with porting on stock heads.

I did it, and the power level is plenty for a street cruiser.

Power costs money - how much do you need and does the budget fit?

SBORule

I have liked the Rocket Racing Heads from an engineering standpoint since day one but then again I use to race a few Ford's back in the day.

There have been some negative feedback from some people about the RR Heads though, so read around.

380 Racer

That was supposedly guides. Many non-truths.

olds 307 and 403

The exhaust flow is a lot better on the RR heads. The intake does flow slightly better, both heads maxed out. Really they aren't much more, especially if you need an intake.

380 Racer

The intake ports are positioned much better for flow. I guess I have to ask how you figure the RR heads aren't able to flow much better that the Ebrocks? Just PM Milan over on ROP and see what he has to say about independant testing of both heads. He has done this.

olds 307 and 403

The max numbers I have seen for RR heads is 360 cfm intake. I have seen 340+ on Edelbrock heads, BTR did them, A LOT of work. The exhaust is a different story 220 max Edelbrock to 275 for RR. Milan is very well respected, knows his stuff. His Edelbrock's were ported but not maxed out. I plan on Stage 1 Edelbrock's next year, milled to 67cc. I already have the RPM intake and will never be above the 500 hp mark. I will go with an Olds specialist who doesn't feed me BS.

380 Racer

Sorry but I don't listen to vendors either. My heads have lived up to my HP/TQ numbers so I'm happy.

olds 307 and 403

That is the main thing, your car has run very well.

SBORule

Here's another issue http://highperformanceolds.com/phpbb...p=30466#p30466

380 Racer

???????

chadman

Maybe it was both then? My buddy just dropped a seat last month and when he took them to be repaired he was told that that was common and they had repaired a few sets like that. They are definitely a design with potential and for a decent price. I don't know what they were thinking when they designed that intake though?

380 Racer

That can happen with any aluminum head, Dart, AFR, even Battens. Mine have been good to me.

SBORule

If you click on that link and let the page load completely, you can read about an issue with R R Heads they don't want you to know about.

380 Racer

And........they work!! Who doesn't want me to know about what? Sand casting? Pretty common knowledge that any good machine shop can easily work with.

It's too bad that you have to try to bash and downgrade me every chance you get. Especially since my car has outperformed yours from day one. Thank you for providing material that I can LMAO at .

70Wcars

I am going into 5th racing season with RR Heads/Intake on my 468 (car in Sig. Pic.) been very happy with them and have run 10.30's in great air, once 10.28!! I have heard of the guide issue, but thought it was early production and has been cured. Also heard some guys complaining about guides, seats but were running Pump gas with moderate high compression and lean carb settings so some detonation could have been the culprit too. RR Heads will allow Mechanical fuel pump with no fitment probs. Also enough metal to port for some serious power. Agree the as cast Intake is HEAVY and not too pretty.

As for performance, no one who has invested in Edel. heads likes to hear this, but I ran 11.44 best in a true 455 with SMALL VALVE (2") C HEADS!!! Running a stock lift " Cheater " cam, Peformer intake and Q-jet...Lots more to gettin a car down the track than motor parts...

Just my experience/opinions

Danny

SBORule

I'm just pointing out issues that have been brought up that I would want to know about if I were considering buying a set of Rocket Racing/Wensler aluminum cylinder heads.

As far as your car out performing mine since day one, my car is a street car, I built or rebuilt everything on my car myself, unlike yourself who pays other people to do everything and then go around and claim you did it all yourself.

Here's a link for those people who think 380racer ported his own heads or builds his own engines.
http://highperformanceolds.com/phpbb....php?f=22&t=44

Who's laughing now ?

VORTECPRO

Often times people on forums are delusional about HP and performance, thanks for being a breath of fresh air. Lots more to gettin a car down the track than motor parts...And the sooner people interested in putting a car down the track understand this, the faster they will go.

380 Racer

Bruce, you are a liar, plain and simple. Oh ya, I'll bet your link won't work to HPO for anyone not a member over there. IDIOT

Scott Hamel

i have the 394548 C heads on my 455 i was going to buy some Alum heads but i think with a set of roller rockers a healthy cam and Alum intake i can make plenty on power for the street. as far as i know my 455 is all stock but she pulls my 73 cutlass good! not sure of the factory HP/TQ output. the intake thats on it after i ran the numbers says its 68-69 toronado 455. i'm glad i found this site i'm learning something new everyday

cutlassefi

Not sure what your goals are but if they're above 400hp or so your money is better spent on aluminums. Don't waste your money on irons.
I've done a half dozen builds in the last 2-3 years and I believe the Procomps give you a viable option that shouldn't be overlooked.

Just my opinion.

SBORule

ProComp Aluminum heads are made in China, it's a copied/stolen version of the Eldebrock heads which in stock form, only flow slightly better than stock cast iron C heads. If you are willing to port the factory heads yourself, you can make some serious horsepower. It won't be simple, you'll spend alot time doing them, 80-100 hours if you go slow so you don't grind into water jackets or spring seats. I know someone who made over 750HP with a set of F heads on a 482ci BBO.

Their are advantages of going with Aluminum heads, less prone to detonation, especially if you polish the combustion chambers. They weigh alot less, so it takes weight off the front of the car, if lower ET's is your goal and they are easier to weld and they take less time to port because Aluminum is soft compared to cast iron that has alot of nickel content.