thoughts? ..chime in

[Scufty]

Update.
So machine shop is decking block to make for a little better compression. Heads have been worked a little and got rid of exhaust hump etc. I will at least port match intake and exhaust.
This is not a "roller block" although I've heard different things about using roller lifters in a non roller block. I will go with roller rockers. I pulled studs and machine shop will tap and install studs and guide plates. When all is said and done if I'm still not happy I will go aluminium heads.

[blykins]

Nothing wrong with a small displacement engine and factory cast iron heads....

[DanEC]

DWRAT is 100% correct. Wiped flat tappet (mech and hyd) cams have become quite commonplace in the last 20 +/- years due to manufacture changes in motor oils to reduce zinc and phosphorus levels to protect catalytic converters. Some guys have wiped out 2 cams out in a row before finally biting the bullet and converting to a roller cam. A flat tappet cam will still work but you have to be careful with break in oil and then continue to run an oil with elevated ZDDP levels such as Rotella 15W-40 diesel oil, or Joe Gibbs, or Brad Penn oil. There are some others still around with high ZDDP levels but you have to do some research to find them or risk a very high likelihood of wiping a cam lobe or two out.

[blykins]

I use EDM lifters, nitrided cams, watch the spring pressure on break-in, and shove the engine full of Brad Penn break-in oil. Knock on wood.