I have a 97 grand am, 3.1, auto. and my transmission is bad...its now a 2 speed(1st and O/D are gone) had it to the tranny shop and its definetly internal, but I have a 96 grand am, 3.1, auto. for parts. how do I find out if its ok to use the 96 tranny in the 97?

The 96 transmission should be compatable with your vehicle. The only possibility is that you may need the transmission computer from the donor car to work but I doubt it very seriously.

I was figuring the same thing but the guy at the transmission shop was a little negative about it. But I'm sure he'd be all for it if he was getting the job of doing it. Anyway Im gonna go ahead with it and if it dont work then I will have the old one out and ready to be repaired.
Thanx