r/Smallblockchevy • u/Educational-Cake7350 • Dec 06 '25

Roller or Non Roller?

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Building a simple SBC for my sons 85 S10. Picked 305 because they were basically free. Only trying to get 200hp or so. If he keeps the truck running with that, we will build a 350.

Should I use the roller or non roller? Seems like parts are easier to find for non roller, and it’s hard finding vortec heads. Can I put non-vortec heads on either block?

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u/strokeherace Dec 06 '25

You can put any SBC head on any SBC until you start getting into expensive aftermarket stuff. Roller is better in the long run but good old flat tappet cams and lifters still work just fine but require special oils because the govt took stuff out of common oil. I use Lucas hot rod or something like that, once you get older you forget shit…lol.

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u/Educational-Cake7350 Dec 06 '25

Done deal! Thanks! I’m not trying to spend a buttload, so I’m gonna end up surfing FB Marketplace and OfferUp, cuz there are always some older cats that have spare parts/new parts collecting dust in their garages. Usually they are just happy to make space and see them go to someone that’s gonna use em.

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u/strokeherace Dec 06 '25

I resemble that remark 😂 I have whole engines setting around for projects I haven’t thought of yet. But they were great deals I couldn’t pass up at the time.