2Fast
Have you aquired your 351 block yet? If not, or you are looking for an old one, there are a few things you can check.
The major advantage to roller is longevity. I mean years vs. years here too. If your machine will be built and left alone, then maybe roller is the way to go. On the other hand, if you plan on swapping cams and things then definitely go with non-roller. Price is considerably less, and so is availability (options). Beside that, your concern probably won't be with RPM on the 351 because of the mains and so on.
When I did the first 351W it was roller, but after the first cam change (first dyno trip), I could only afford non-roller. My peak HP was at 6300 RPM (~480).
My current 351 is 383 shortblock by Livernois. Well built, and still non-roller. You will not lose any performance w/o roller. It all depends on what you want. Your man is right, spend the hundreds you save on something else.
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