...i have long considered building a W2 headed smallblock.
i know there are easier ways to make smallblock power without the specific rockers and so on that go along with the W2 heads.
that being said, i've been following different posts and realize there are differences among them.....what should i look for?
any info appreciated...al

..there's a Duster with a 340 in it.. they've got some muscle here tonight.

In a nutshell you have Race W2 and Econo W2's. Race have flat milled surface for a indpendent pedestal to locate the rocker shafts, the Econo's have a cast in rocker pedestal, similar to stock style rockers.

The race version has offset rocker stands and they require a fair amount of work to set up correctly, but just takes time. Either head will most likely require pushrod clearances, sometimes significant. Both can make good power for the dollar if you buy them right. The race rocker set ups just cost more.

..so there are no years were certain castings were better or poorer quality?

looking at the harlan sharp rockers the race kit is about $1100.00 which includes rockers, shafts, and blocks.

the econo head kit is $990.00 which includes the shafts and rockers.

these prices are taken from summit racing...just for reference.

If you decide to go race W2, check with Brian at IMMengines, he has some MP race rocker gear for sale.

I have used the econo W2 heads with the Mopar Performance offset rockers for 8 years plus on a dirt track 408" motor with NO problems. I use solid/flat tappet cam,,NO roller. If you re going roller, it costs mucho' more to get heads to work proper. Mine are standard valve length heads with a 130#/330# spring set up, .580"-ish lift. No push rod clearance issues.

Before you spend any money, I would suggest talking to Ryan at Shady Dell - member here, knows his way around W-heads and the other SB heads available.
I have a Batten-W2-headed SB, and it's certainly not embarrassing, but technology has a way of moving forward...

Not to hi-jack this thread but is there any HP/TQ differences between the RACE and ECONO heads??

...what is the horsepower/flow potential of stock econos with a streetable solid cam?
not looking at a stroker right now...

We discussed w2 heads here, maybe you can find some
info
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...e=3#Post5663318

Yes, there ARE early castings you want to stay away from. I have a set here. They are very prone to cracking around the head bolt bosses, particuarily on the outside bolt holes. The later castings have more meat and "bracing" in this area.

...yes,i had been through all of those posts.
actually it was the info on early water jacket design,problems w/cracks and so on that made me want a little more info.
there was a set on e-bay from Petty Racing that a fellow was selling in California.
anybody have a comment on them....i don't think they sold.

Econo W2 pushrod clearance. This was a 62o solid, a bit larger than needed, but not much extra room. I'll post some pushrod angles shortly.

Bare W2 Econo

Pushrod angles from farther back.

Glamour Shot...

Note the dual header bolt pattern.