bought a super cheap slant.

fatman,
If the fan belt is on, try turning it over by hand. If you feel 3 strong "springs" resisting you per rev, you know the engine is good. The opposite doesn't mean it is bad since could need oil, valves adjusted, ... If you can't turn it over no matter what you try (pry on starter teeth), it is probably seized and may need a rebuild. Smart to squirt a little oil in each spark plug hole and spin it without plugs first.

72bluNblu,
That is a great offer. Thinking of taking you up on it since you are close by, and I would even pay you. Just need to ponder where I can store a spare engine without the wife fussing. Also need to investigate the fit to my 64 transmission. I think I would need an adapter ring for my smaller snout torque converter.