what to look for?

[undercnstrction]

a friend called me about 2 different 351s a local guy has. one is supposedly a '90 that is a "roller" block and the other is a '95. i'm not sure what comes with them but what do i need to look at and look for when i go to look at these motors? and what does "roller" mean. i know it has something to do with the newer blocks and compatibility with cams? but i'm not really sure what exactly that means.

i'm told he's looking for $150 per motor. any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

my other option is to go to the junk yard and pick one up for $250 regardless of year or mileage. the bonus would be that it would come with whatever happens to still be attached to it. what do you guys think??????

 

[SMOKEDYA]

The only way i know how to tell a roller 351w is the numbers on the block. 94+ are rollers.If the 90 "roller" is apart or atleast the lower intake is off see if there is a spider keeper in the valley (same thing roller 302's have in the valley) OR if the heads are on and lower intake off ask him to pull a push rod and pull the lifter out.If you can see the numbers on the 95 block to confirm it's a 95 block save the hassel and just buy it instead of the 90. peace









john

 

[NIKwoaC]

A "roller" block means that it uses roller lifter valve train geometry. If you don't know what roller lifter cams are, you probably need to go buy a engine building book and do some reading. In short, hydraulic roller lifter engines are considered ideal for most mild to moderate performance engines, as they require very little maintenance and allow good flexibility in cam design. If you can get it, you want the hydraulic roller block.