After having a compression test done on my truck, they told me 3 of the heads and gasket were leaking. So I thought i could find another 351 motor cheaper than to fix my heads and head gasket, and sure enough I did, I picked up a good running 351w off of a 95 F250 for $300. My truck being a 89 model came with the flat tappet setup, and this one has a roller, my question is what is the difference between the two?? Because I keep hearing that the roller motor is ways better than the flat tappet, and if so how is that? Thanks again

 

Yes roller motors are better! Less internal friction which means more power and efficiency. Make sure to use a dizzy with a steel gear for the roller camshaft engine. If the engine came with the distributor then use it.

Tanner

 

Having run both in my 96' for many thousands of miles, I'd say the differences in day to day user are not noticeable. Maybe slightly improved fuel economy but probably too close to say for sure. Power band is higher in my current flat tappet motor but that's probably due to the cam grind more than anything.

 

A good simple explanation: Flat Tappet Cams vs. Roller Cams - Lunati Power

 

Would the PCM from my motor work on this 351 roller??

 

Yes, no issues since the factory roller cam is not that much different from the flat tappet.