You guys are arguing apples to oranges. This should be "solid vs hyd" and/or
"roller vs flat". Crossing the lines has to many variables.
Solid is gonna make more power and make a faster car over a hydraulic. A roller will outlast a flat lifter.
Whether a HR makes more power over a SFT depends on more than that. Springs come into play and ramp rates. Added pressure increases drag even if there is a roller. Speaking in generalizations a "small HFT" will make more power than a "small HR" and a "Large HR" will make more power than a "Large HFT".
ie an XE262H makes more power than a XE264HR and a XE284H makes less power than a XE282HR given the same engine (per Comp dyno sheets)
In a perfect world this application should be a solid roller, but if he had that money to spend he should be putting into better heads which is where he is going to find the power he wants.
a hyd roller is perfectly capable of making big power and keeping drivability, solid rollers can make even more power and be street friendly a roller will always make more hp than a flat tappet and have better drivability. If you plan on a big azz cam then better add big azz compression and big azz gears with a 289.
If its mainly strip then a comp hyd flat tappet will work but I would look at a dual pattern cam if using ported stockers unless they are professionally ported and flowed you can make up for head shortcomings with proper cam timing, I'd look at comps cam spec catalog and for a slight charge they can grind you a custom cam with the proper LCA and int/ex duration/lift to fit your combo. Best bet would be call them (a couple different times) and see what they recommend, otherwise call Jay Allen (camshaft innovations) or some of the other cam gurus as they can grind you a cam to match your combo and usage and a custom cam is not much more than an OTS one and will usually always go faster and drive better. If you want to go fast at the strip, why not ditch the 289 for a 351w? theres an instant 60hp/60+ftlbs to start with and much stronger. Or better yet.......BOOOOOST it a turbo will add more hp than even the biggest cam can.
guys guys guys!!!! im blushing awwww you guys are cute all fightin wit each odder! but on a serious note you guys are the bees knees.... so frickin helpful. i think im gonna choose the 282s on account of its stability at higher rpm unfortunately its about 50 bucks more than the 292.
i am keeping the original engine on account of finances in the future a stroker 351w will be in my sights... also its the original block for the car so thats kinda why im keeping it around. but yes if i was doing a similar build on a 351w i would be blown away with power output compared to the lil 289. also i have considered a 100 shot of juice and that is the plan for the near future.