I don't know if I would call a flat tappet cam even an option anymore. We have all had them go flat on us. More go flat than don't. I've hated roller cams all my life but I may not build another flat tappet motor for risk of it being a failure. I think he did the right thing going roller. And he did it about as cheap as you can.
A QUALITY flat tappet used with the correct oil can still be had and is dead reliable, and still cheaper than a cheap roller.
I have run a few aggresive flat tappet cams with his lifters from Jones Cam Design, never a failure.
