Small block 340 engine for sale and some questions...

How bad do you want a 340? As mentioned it's always going to be a bit of a crap shoot if all things are in good working condition and complete 2000 maybe a fair price. I've seen fewf for less recently. And it was my understanding that in 72 forged cranks were used up in the 4-speed cars and cast cranks were installed in automatics
My first '72 had a cast crank and a 3 speed manual.