Gregg,
Your post caught my interest as we have been using/testing the Hyd Roller set ups in the FE's for a couple of years now and it has been a learning curve.
They make great power below 6000, wide torque curves. But, they need to be set up right, very specific spring pressures,
oil types, push rods, titanium retainers or 11/32" valves, etc. Just finished one in a Shelby alum block, 4.250 stroke, ported heads, 2-4V dual plane. Large custom grind HydRoller, power peaked at 550hp@5700, and 560tq@4600. Had 510ft/lbs+ from 2500-5800. This dyno is quite accurate and tends to read on the low side compaired to some, so it is going to be a beast to drive. For comparison, dynoe'd a 427 Alum w/4.250 stroke we had built a few weeks before that, but with more compression, Tunnelwedge 2-4V, and a slightly larger mechanical roller that made 610hp, but it was at 6700rpm. So the hyd made very good power, but at a 1000rpm less, very nice for all around use.
Rob