Wasn't really in his question, was it?

We had something like this back in the day.
Most racers were going back into the heads and cam to get that last 5 hp, and winning by .001.
Then Olds and Cadillac announced OHV engines...

For everyone who thinks turbo (or nitrous) is somehow easy, or cheating: try it.

x2. If you're looking for a BIG performance increase, something else is going to be needed.

This very conversation, for years has been my complaint about people who make Mopar aftermarket heads. They are ALL the same. Not a nickels worth of difference in any of them really. Sure maybe this is a little better and this is a little better and so on. But we have a ton of heads in that range all fighting for a share of the market, with little potential HP difference from top to bottom. In my opinion, until you make the jump to B-1s........it just really doesn't matter

This is a 499 low deck. So it all depends on what power gains the OP is willing to invest in. I agree, a B1 deal is a great way to go, but cost and maintenance may be a factor here.

Last time I talked to Eric he was still going to run a STOCK block. If so I would definitely stay with what he has.

Look at the original question though. 440-1s are not in the question, neither is stock block, nor budget. Just says from scratch 499. The question was should he change from his SRs to Trick Flows or Victors. The answer to THAT question is a resounding no. Seems to be nothing there except added cost.

Budget is always a concern, but he didn't mention that either.

We all know air flow is the key to power and many progress to a point based on what they have. I have done the same. I had stock heads, so went to Indy's as I didn't have to change pistons. But then I built a B-1 which was a new build.

So lets look at NEW build scenario. No parts in hand and no "deals". Block is a block, crank is a crank, rods, pistons, machine work, etc. So we get to the heads. Valve is a valve, spring is a spring and so on. How much do B-1 castings cost vs INDY. Are they higher, I truly don't know. What about intake cost? Rocker gear. A nice set of T&Ds cost the same for either head.

I guess my whole thing here is.......if you are building something NEW and are not basing it on anything you HAVE, why would anybody build anything OTHER than a B-1 motor or maybe even a Predator(although manifolds are an issue here)............Now there are different segments to this and some will be quick to point out "this head takes stock valve gear, etc". I understand all that, but am basing my comparison on you have NOTHING, plus are building a real race car motor, with all aftermarket parts and selection is not based on using cheaper and or stock parts.

I would basically agree with what Monte is saying, unless there is a desired/targeted hp level you're after, that could easily be reached with the lesser cost/easier option.
If you're trying to make the most power you can, then buy the highest power potential heads you can afford.

On my bench an SR CNC 295 flows basically the same as a 440-1 CNC 325.
When the 325 can really out power an SR is when the displacement vs port volume starts to become the limiting factor rather than the flow(like on a 572 for example).

For a super class 499, if I had CNC ported MW size SR's, I'd just keep using them until I was looking to make a big move in power........ at which point you'll have to start thinking about a real block.

I ran modern cylinder head ported SR's on my super street demon. Due to a cracking issue I replaced them with -1 325's that I got from Dwayne. I chose to go that route because I am more worried in super street about a car that works well on the throttle stop and not one that runs ultimate et. I chose the smaller heads to keep the velocity in the port up when using the stop. The change between the two heads? Exact same et picked up 1 mph. Exactly what Dwayne told me would happen. Unless you are changing everything stick with what you have!!!

I had a set of SR M.W ports that flowed 340 @ .700, I also had a set of MCH CNC ported 440-1 that flowed 370 @ .700 on the same flow bench by the same tech. On my bracket race RB stock block 526 C.I.motor the 440-1 heads made 70 HP more than the SRs did, on my pump gas 518 C.I. 400 stroker motor the 440-1 made 50 HP more than the SR did

The INDY SR's can make very respectable power when ported properly, with the added benefit to relatively cost effective Rocker setups with V/good Geometry.

849 hp and 753 Trq on a 540 inch, .690" Lift /287* @ .050 Roller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzWhkC4dAI0

Just sayín,
if you already have them, you may wish to address just "how much" you want on a 499 with easy on parts Cam selection ?
versus,
just how much "more" you wish to spend for 440-1's that will undoubtedly need port work also ?

Thanks for the replies folks. It looks like another set of SR's from BGR is in order. Mine are damaged to the point that for marginally more dollars will result in a new set. I'm really starting to think with a stock block keeping the power level where it's at is a good thing also.

You're index racing or super racing, what advantages are there for 160mph in 9.90 trim or 190mph in 8.90 trim? Other than "you have the race in front of you" to decide at the stripe, does it pay more to win if you run those big mph ?
Just asking

Nope means nothing 😉 I'm middle of the pack for what it's worth

This is my thinking as well. I like the 440-1 CNC345 over the SR CNC, but unless you need the incremental increase, save your money for the big change which includes an aftermarket block, etc. The head swap you asked about is not worth the cost, IMO.

Now your last post said your SR's need to be replaced. I would go with 440-1 CNC345 and better rockers until you make the big leap.

I wouldnt build a B1 engine to go bracket racing, put some TF heads on it with a decent roller and make 6-700hp reliably for that.

Exactly, you can have a p.o.s. and if it runs the number and you hit the tree the guys with 800ci motors and all the bells whistles will just spend more $$$ to try and beat you.
Low maintenance and consistency would probably be something to look for. Can't have fun or win any $$$ always working on the car. This type of racing is way different than heads up or class ( stock/superstock) racing.
Again just saying, I may wrong

Eric, I vote on the aftermarket block and B1 heads lol.

Could you use the B1's and just not set them on kill? OU812 did a thread on some basically stock B1's (mild cleanup, valve job etc) that kept a reasonable port volume, but still flowed alot of air (380's?)that you wouldn't have to spin the day lights out of your 499 to make good power. That way when you get your aftermarket block you can set them on kill at that time.

Edit: here's the link

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/105599/1.html

How would the Stage V Hemi conversion heads compare?