@2264PLY The valve question is precisely what I had spent some time on, but finally found a valve that is nearly the matching length.

Take a look at the following Manley valves:

1) INTAKE - Manley, 11702-8, Severe Duty Pro-Flo
2) EXHAUST - Manely, 11703-8, Race-Flo

The only challenge here is that these are 11/32 stem diameter. Like you, I have the W2 long valve heads sitting in their original boxes here...not exactly keen on spending the extra $$$ on re-working the heads, but I figured I'd do it right the first time around.

Nothing wrong with the 3/8 stem valves, but if I'm going to spend money on something I might as well aim to save a little weight, thus the move to the 11/32 stem.

Ahh, one other thing, the Manely intake valve is under-cut as well, so apparently a tad better flow at lower lifts - no 1st hand experience here, just a quote/un-quote from their catalog.