I personally look for engines that were from automatic trans vehicles. Wagons and 4 doors are always a good pick.
I have found over the years that the rear main block is prone to cracking due to the replacement pressure plates being too strong or incorrectly replaced - especially on 312s .

My .02$ !

Oldmics

I had a local Guy contact Me through Kijiji. He has a Transmission also which doesn't interest Me unless its an early 60's Cruisematic. Supposed to get back to Me with more Information. Year and type of Transmission.

  

I have a small case cruise-o-matic I'd like to get rid of.   It's from a 61-62 car with a 292.       Converter and bellhousing included.   No flexplate

hi i have 2 sets of 312 pistons still in the box that i want to sell but i am in oz. cheers

Hi, where are you? (with the cruise o matic)

I think the best tip is dont pay too much and hopefully the heads are off so you can have a good look inside and see it turns free. A nice coat of paint can hide a multitude of sins and and old grease covered block just may turn out to be a gem never touched.. 
I bought a flathead from a guy I know, he was selling it behalf of someone else . we took the intake manifold off to have a look it did have receipts turned free, I paid $600 for here in Oz. [for some reason people think they're worth their weight in gold] Lucky I was striping it for a full rebuild because despite the receipts for bearings etc it was put together on the cheap and I would not have been surprised if it lasted an hour running.   





"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"

I'm in Parma, Ohio.    Right around the corner where Drew Carrie is from!       I also travel to Cleveland Tenn about 3 times a year.          I also have a 292 block that I ran for about a month in my truck last year.   It definetly needs a rebuild.   

I would like to buy the bell housing (if it's aluminum), I live in California

Mark: A 312 is likely the riskiest to buy, due to the possibility of the block being cracked at the mains. Don't buy it if you can't get a good look at a clean block area, and or a bill for testing. Also, Ted E. has indicated that some 312 blocks have cam journal alighnment issues, that may require re machining.  Besides, if you just have to have the xtra inches, John Mummert sells a  292 to 312 conversion kit now. No 312 crank required.. Good luck.


Paul

Thanks Paul. A 292 would be sufficient if I find a good One.