To save some bucks, I would go with a 1987 and up 350 that came with a factory roller cam, this way you only have to buy the cam. these blocks also have the benefit of a 1 piece rear main seal.

 

Hey there (davetc), I went the same route your thinking of going. What i went with for my 1984 350sbc, a set of KB120's hyper flats,.010 in the hole. A set of S/R torquers with 75cc chambers, and a set of .028 GMPerformance head gaskets that yelded me 9.0:1 c/r. I had to decide if to use a flat tappet cam, or fork out for a roller set up that i wanted. So i got myself the roller cam for my own Xmass presant, and had no choise but to get the rest of it at income tax time which was a Comp Retro-roller #12-422-8 that works well with my combo. As for springs i went with a set of Comp Beehive springs that fit right in the pockets on my S/R heads. If you decide to go with the beehive's, they need a .100 taller valve to acheeve the proper installed height. I've got this combo in a 76 GMC shortbed pu, that i feel will work very well for me. So your combo should work just as good or maybee even better Hope this helps good luck :thumbup:

 

what problems will i face putting a roller cam in a 70's 350, 3970010? i am wanting to build an good, reliable, smooth, long lasting engine. i do understand a cam button will be needed. i would also like input for the combo i am thinking about.

355 sbc
crane roller cam part 119811 204/214 @ .050, .429/.452 lift
sbc L31 vortec heads
flat top pistons which will give me about 9.3 c/r
rpm intake
650 or 750 carb
headers

i am looking more for torque than horsepower. this is going in a 64 chevy truck.
and changes? any ideas? any suggestions will be appreciated. thanks.

My opinion is that with your intended useage I would use a flat tappet hydraulic and a square max. 600 cfm Edelbrock, or preferred a spread bore for low rpm response. As for manifold you might reconsider to a plain Performer for more torque below 2500 rpm. DIY head port cleanup. Small diameter headers, 2 1/4 max. dual exhaust with crossover.

The roller conversion and a roller top end is a waste of money for a little performance gain at your level.