Yes, a pre-'63 389 block will be a bit of a hassle, no starter mounting provisions and varying designs concerning block to transmission bolt patterns.
If you're up to making up adapter plates then the earlier blocks are an option, but most of us are looking for an easy bolt together conversion.
My take: look for a '74 or earlier 400 block, they typically have a better amount of metal in the lower end of the block compared to a 389. If you use a 389 you should be okay if you aren't making more than about 500 HP, but look for a '64 -'66 block if you decide to use a 389 block.
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