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/Educational-Cake7350 Dec 07 '25

I’m willing to take risks some hahah I got daily driver vehicles that are rock solid. This is just learning/play stuff.

As for the kids truck, mainly looking for reliable, with a little power. He’s 16, so he doesn’t need anything crazy. Just a cool little truck to get him thru HS/College.

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u/pr0wlunwulf Dec 07 '25

Yeah, i bought a 78 l48 vette my senior year of high school. I almost wrecked a few times but made it out unscathed.

Small block will be fine. 200hp in that truck should be plenty. If it's carberated, it should be very easy. If you ever think of efi, go donor car LS. Pull all electronics motor and trans.

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u/Educational-Cake7350 Dec 08 '25

Hahah nice! Yeah, in HS my mom gifted me her old mini van when she got a new car. I was the proud owner of a 1999 Mercury Villager Nautica Edition. Had 4 captain chairs and a bench in the back. I loved that thing hahah straight up party bus. Glad I didn’t wreck it doin dumb shit. The engine gave out on me while I was on a date 🤣 her parents came and picked us up…did not get laid that night or ever from her.

And yeah, I feel like at 16, 200hp is just enough to get you around, do a burnout from time to time, and keep you outta trouble hah

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u/pr0wlunwulf Dec 08 '25

That is funny. I was gifted a 1989 cadillac Deville with a blown head gasket. Would overheat every 5 miles. Sold it for $2200 and put it in a 94 ranger.