Ford Sidewinder Intake?

[Dandy Don]

I have purchased a 65 vintage 427 Side-Oiler that is pretty stock with the exception of a Sidewinder Intake. I previously had a Side-Oiler in my ERA Cobra (#593) and ran a Victor Intake. This motor is going into a 65 Comet Cyclone A/FX replica---similar to Dyno Don Nicholson's car;less the Cammer (got to draw the line somewhere).

I know little about Sidewinders, only that the carb was "offset" to improve the runner length??

Is this a good all around intake or am I better to go another direction?

I would assume the aircleaner will look offcenter as well and there may be clearance issues with the fiberglass ram air scoop?

Any help would be appreciated--

Thanks-Dandy Don

[Tom Kirkham]

Originally Posted by Dandy Don

Is this a good all around intake or am I better to go another direction?

My vote is for a tunnel wedge intake

[Bobcat]

The sidewinder intake is a great intake ... the offset is to give you all equal length runners . I have one on my 63 1/2 Galaxie 427 currently . I changed from a dual quad original intake to the Sidewinder and picked more bottom end end mid range with no sacrifice on the top end and I shift at 6200 rpm... and all plugs read equal , which was a major problem with the original manifold . I am replacing it with a Blue Thunder medium riser dual quad only because I want to use the Sidewinder on my big block Cobra engine as it has Cobra cast in the front . My engine builder says 600+ hp should be attainable with this intake . As far as fitting into an ERA ... I am getting an ERA and in talking to Doug at ERA , he said this manifold will work fine and has no clearance issues as the engine is offset a little anyway and this will move the carb almost back to the center .... but you might check with him anyway .

[RedCSX1]

It's all screwed up,yeah that's it. I will give you 150.00 for it.

[Bobcat]

Looks like Morgan beat me to it .... I was going to offer $100 for the intake !!!
Seriously , I can`t speak for the A/FX Comet , but it fit my Galaxie just fine , and yes , it is offset about 1 1/2 inches towards the driver`s side , but causes no clearance issues with a stock 63 1/2 Galaxie hood ( no hood scoop ) with sound deadening material . Kinda fun at a cruise in to have someone go by , look under the hood , start to walk away and then do a double take . This intake was originally designed for single 4 bbl competition use and probably some modern ones are a bit better , but for me , the authenticity ( and the word Cobra ) and performance compensate .

[Cracker]

Go with the Sidewinder. I too had one on my S/O before swapping it out for a Victor. In hindsight, I wish I had just left well enough alone. I did however sell my Sidewinder for about $850 to a fella running pure stock vintage drag cars. Best wishes on your build.

[Rory428]

I have been running a modified Sidewinder on my 10.0 ET 428CJ powered Fairmont for over 15 years. I have tried several other intakes, including Offy Port O Sonic, modified Streetmaster, F427, Edelbrock Victor, but so far the best numbers have been with the Sidewinder.