craig71springsport

Kind of want to make this thread an end-all to the discussion. I know there are some incredibly talented/educated engine builders on here so let's get down to the question at hand.

I am looking at two 351w blocks, one roller, one non-roller. I just want to know the pros and cons of either. I know the roller setup frees up some power, but how much? For the time you're going to spend looking for a roller, and the probably bigger price tag, would it be a better bet to just get a cheap late 60's 351w and roller convert?

Any and all input is very much appreciated!

89fiveeight

My experience is limited, so don't take my word as gospel, but from what I've found messing with my non roller 351 it would have been much simpler to just start with a roller. Any 94+ lightning (and maybe F-150, I'm not sure) came stock with a roller motor. It would be much more cost efficient to clean up and replace the stock rollers than it is to convert. I'm looking at converting mine to roller now and its gonna cost a pretty penny if you're on a budget like me. The retrofit lifters run about $350 for a cheap set, and then you've still gotta get shortened pushrods and upgrade the springs. Then I think you'll be limited to what cam you can run with the stock rockers. My guy told me not to go higher than .550 lift after my conversion. Of course you can always get a non roller block and have a machine shop drill and tap the lifter valley so you can put the spider in, but after the shop costs and running the risk of hitting an oil vein, you still would have probably been better off waiting for a roller to show up at the junkyard. Just my .02 if I could do it over.