As you might know 1967 to 1987 mopar LA small blocks used flat tappet lifters, and 87 to 92 used roller lifters. my question is can I use flat tappet lifters in a 87-92 engine or should I just look for an older block, some where in the 70s,to build my engine. I dont want to go with roller lifters, the engine wont be driven that much and I dont want to spend more than I have to. Flat tappets have worked fine for years so its not a quality issue with me.

Thanks in advance.

 

Unless you have found some damage,why not just reuse the old cam and lifters.Rollers are a low wear part. Just don't put flat tappets on a roller or rollers on a flat tappet cam.

 

im building for performance, im replacing most of everything, i just want to know if i should use an older block

 

I can't see a problem with the block and lifters. You just can't use LA heads on a magnum block.
Just remembered if you use the new block with a flat tappet replace the oil pump drive so you know it is compatible with the cast cam.