Aftermarket cylinder head debate - who's the best

I agree with that statement a lot. Edelbrock heads can and do perform very well at the track. A few have run into the 9's with Edelbrock heads. Recent (relative) porting tech has the head doing extremely well for it's design and intended useage, a replacement head. The heads flow rates and more importantly the flow area under curve is very good.

Currently, I think you would do a W2 only for a iron head rule in racing or because you WANT to do a W2 head. The W2 draw backs are;
Heavy weight
Expensive rocker arms
The metal itself (iron) can be octane limiting.
And to a lesser degree;
Only 1 dual plane available
Limited intake selection, Victor or M1 single or if you hunt E-bay or racing junk, an M1 tunnel ram, Holley's Pro Dominator tunnel ram, Street and/or Strip Dominator intakes.

Dispite these "Problems?" The head is very good. From the head porters I have spoken to about the head and it's abilities on flowing air, the reports are very favorable but come with the above cautions on cost. But not any denials on there ability to make power.

I'm going to go forward on my W2's (at a later date) I was lucky in obtaining them from Mancini at close out prices making them a viable and cost effective option to chase. Once you start weighing everything out carefully, it is doable. But only if there obtained cheaply since the valve train is so expensive over standard or offset LA head gear.