Definitely go with a roller block - in my opinion, they're better all the way around. The Summit part I mentioned (SUM-1500100-30) is a 1996-2000 factory four-bolt roller cam block. For $700 it's probably a good base to start from as the block has been vetted and all the machine work has been done (I'd still scrub it clean and paint the innards with Glyptal and mic everything - but that's just me). I also have this thing about painting Chevy engines Chevy Orange if they're going to be used in a hot rod or a muscle car.

Either of these builds would be good for everything from crusin' to a long jaunt. I have several of these builds with well over 50K miles and they're purring right along. Tech's recommendations are spot on and he stays pretty current on best practice and part numbers. As you've probably noticed, we share a lot of the same component recommendations. While I have not personally used the Pro-Filer heads they look good and the price is right. As Tech recommends them I may use a set on my next build.

Pick your cam after you decide in which generation of block you're going to use. The Howard's cam is a titch more aggressive and is a retrofit roller cam for engines that did not originally come with a roller cam. I have not used this exact part but have used other Howard's products and found them to be good.

If you're going to do a lot of stoplight-to-stoplight you'll want to spend time to make sure cooling system is adequate. The stock GM clutch-type fan with a proper shroud is still one of the best ways to cool an engine - stay away from electric unless you have insurmountable clearance issues.

Don't look for good mileage but pretty much anytime you mash the pedal tires will fry and smoke will appear!

Let us know what you decide!
Glenn