First stroker build – could use some expert advice

Dodgedude - boy, that's bad juju. Thanks for the head's up. Guess that's why Hughes sells their 5321-series hydraulic roller lifters with a lowered oil band.

tried them also, still same result...this block is the problem, but had it up and running so went with a mechanical cam, non roller, and the MP lifters that have no oil band. Problem solved, but not what I wanted.