W2 heads

[sanborn]

I have a question for the group. We have raced small block Mopars for several years. We have always used W2 heads. A stock out of the box set of W2 flows much better than even a radical set of X or J heads. The cost of a new set is more but not a great deal more. We have bought and sold several sets of W2 over the past several years and used prices are very reasonable. Why are they not more popular with the average racer? Am I missing something? Please respond because I would really like to know. Thanks.

[Christopher]

Good question,one that I have wondered about as well.The current prices on the improved W-2's are lower than in 1976!!I think they are a excellent head for the money.I always try to tell people that are considering porting out a set of X or J heads to use the W-2's.It's less money in the long run and the power output is greater.To me anyone building a "good" smallblock would be very wise to invest in a set of W-2's.

[J-BODY]

I think the cost is the #1 reasons. Plus you have to change everything on the top of the engine including the headers. Kind of the same undertaking as putting Indy heads on a big block.

[340king]

Hi Sanborn, I have two sets of W-2's one econo set that flows over 300 cfm, and one set of new(I didn't wait like Christopher told me to and bought new, then found used in Nat Drag for much less, moral of the story, follow the advice on this board!) closed chamber, 57 cc heads. I haven't flowed the new heads, but they are obviously lower flowing than the econo heads due to shrouding.

You are right on with the performance of these heads. They really rock.

As for the headers, they now come dual flanged so you can run your old style headers. I dynoed a 12.2:1 ross pistoned internally balanced 360 with the econo W-2 heads and an Ultradyne tight lash cam. The combo made 500 hp solid. The output should have been higher, but the crank was broken, the intake, M1, didn't line up with the heads and I used old style headers.

I plan to use theecono W-2's on my 340 spec motor in the near future. I bought a set of high swirl 360 heads for the 360. That is after I fed it a new crank, balancer and lined bored the block. The high swirl heads can flow in the 250+ range with a minimum of port work and 1.94" valves. They are probably close enough in performance to the W-2's to warrant the purchase for a milder engine.

The other reason that I bought them was the computer dyno programs. I can make more of a hp difference placing the W-2's on a well prepped 340, than a 360. I don't know why the computer comes up with that, but we hit the prediction with the 360 engine listed above. The computer predicted 515 hp at 6000 rpm, we made 500 hp at 6000 rpm, with the old style headers, broken crank and mismatched intake we thought this was really close.

Speaking of cool smallblock heads. I noticed a set of new W-7's in www.allthedirt.com under the classifieds. I thought you might be interested.

[sanborn]

I appreciate your info but I know what they flow, both stock and highly modified. We have had several sets over the years. In fact, I am taking a set of Automotive Specialists heads and intake in trade for a set of Arringtons that will be for sale if anyone is interested. Also we are upgrading one of our engines to W8 Chapmans and a set of W7 Chapmans will be surplus if anyone is interested in these. The reason for my post is that I have seen so many sets of used W2 on the market at very reasonable prices and I just wonder why more people don't jump on them. While I talking about surplus, I will also have a complete engine for sale; R block, W7 heads, etc.685 HP as soon as we get the replacement ready.

[wedgehead]

Hey Sanborn:
I got a message that you replied to my post but didn't find it posted. Need more info on your heads and motor that will be for sale in the near future. E-mail address is owilliam@bellsouth.net. Wedgehead

[sanborn]

Hey wedgehead: I just sent another post. If you don't get it, then get back to me. sanborn@cafes.net