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Nothing wrong with going to a flat tappet cam if you know the issues, and understand the importance of breaking in the cam/lifters and keeping enough zinc rich oil in there at all times. Problem is...

For me, I wouldn't put a nickel into a flat tappet cam block, unless there's a cheap & easy conversion to roller hydraulics.

If you're wanting to stay with a small block, you're going to be hard pressed to build a reliable engine yourself cheaper than you can buy a crate engine, IMO. Edit - Forgot to say "Welcome"!!, but...