Thoughts on this Side Oiler for sale ?

[blykins]

A center oiler block isn't the best choice for a solid roller application because the lifter passages are not drilled. This forces you into a non-oiling lifter. Again, not a deal breaker, but certainly doesn't lend to longevity.

If you're looking for period-correctness, the BBM block looks pretty close, but it's not an original side oiler block. It's a new one. You get into the same deal as the "continuation CSX" cars.

I've used most of the aftermarket blocks. They are all nice.

I would urge against aluminum; I'm just not a fan. Yeah, they're lighter, but that's about the only pro in my opinion. You pay more for them, there's a lot more prep and babysitting during the machining process, and they take a little more "care" on the part of the customer.

[FUNFER2]

I agree Brent, you're wise man.

One guy I know wish's he hadn't gone with the aluminum engine. He's had some problems with it, but after several years, he has them fixed.

I had no idea the passages are not drilled in the center oiler !
That's some extra machining adding to the build.

I would like a mechanical roller, but the little gains you get and sound, may,....not be worth it. I don't mind lashing valves, and even though company's like Isky have bushing's rather than needles, it still concerns me that with street driving, they'll come apart someday. How do you feel about that and do you have an experience with associated issues with a solid roller on the street ect ?

They've come along with rollers on the street since my old days with a roller 468ci in my Pro-Street Camaro. (man, that makes me feel old)

There's nothing wrong with a Hydro roller, it's just that the solid sounds and feels awesome and can gain more HP/TQ, but really not enough to feel it in your pants. It's not possible, but if I could get a engine to sound like a sprint car motor, that would be the ultimate ! (not having weight on the crank with no flywheel, clutch etc)