Wasn’t someone looking for a W2 intake.
Thanks, that's exactly the commentary I was looking for. Appreciate that.
I have definitely seen some crazy looking W2 ports. Very large rectangular ports. It's actually pretty wild how much can be carved out of these. But that's not the realm I was interested in. Definitely cool, but way beyond what would be reasonable to invest in a set of cast iron heads, unless you happened upon them, already modified.
Pretty cool that ootb heads can essentially be pocket ported to 600 hp capability.
This became a bit of a long winded reply. Apologies.
If you’re interested in doing a set of W2 heads, look for them used. Hopefully with the rockers. The rockers I picked up for the Econo heads are Harland Sharps. While the W2 parts are more expensive than a standard LA set up, it’s not a huge amount of money and the return on the heads out weigh the cost vs the LA parts.
I see this as the same for any head that is beyond the LA layout. But the thing is, are you going to take advantage of what is offered by the head or not? The LA offerings for cylinder heads these days IMO top out with the TF head. This is a case of the available head flow X’s 2 as a basic idea of what could be possible & the willingness to go there.
This basically will require a pretty stout build and a sizable camshaft. If your not willing to go there, stay with the LA head designed heads and just decide on the cam to perform in the RPM range of the performance window your looking to do.
While the MoPars do not have a selection of heads like the Chevy and Ford crowd does, the bases are covered. Without porting for a example;
Stock to mild power could be the OEM head or an as cast Edelbrock
Hot street/light drag - Edelbrock, Brodix & Trickflow
Street beast/Drag - W series heads most notable being the W9 & a Victor head.
The first two selections can be ported to the next level up at a cost that many don’t think about that could be counter productive money wise when the next level of head should have been purchased to start with.
While porting the lower power potential head and rocker gear could be cheaper overall, so is the potential power output while the machining maxed out the heads potential the next level head still has a higher ceiling. If your paying for the work to be done, this is expensive.
Think twice, leap once.
This what I did on the wife’s car. A few have said I under utilized the TF head and to a degree, I agree. However, for the price paid against what others considered to be a more reasonable and better “Fitting” Edelbrock head, the TF is offering better flow OOTB rather than paying a fella for porting the Edelbrock head to match it or exceed it.
Price check both heads, check flow rates of the head at the cam lift intended on being used, check your local porters pricing on adjusting (porting) the heads to match the next level head, add up the cost.
Price check isle you!
Pittsburghracer ports his own heads and until you can match his learned skills, the piper must be paid. He has shown what can be done to the heads for power improvements and his really very good time slips showing 9 second runs is an awesome testament. His shown flow bench results show a hefty improvement.
As an enthusiast entering the power game and trying to make enough power to duplicate John’s cars performance (or anyone’s for that matter) while paying for the work yourself, start with a better head and go from there.
Always! Get the best cylinder head for the job to start with to get to the target power level sought.