used engine 98 cutlass 3.1L vin M

[sjlabash]

I plan on installing a used engine in a 98 Olds Cutlass (6 cyl, 3.1L Vin M) due to a failed lower intake manifold gasket (coolant contaminated oil) which led to at least one failed rod bearing. An inventory search on local junkyard sites seem to match only the Malibu and Cutlass engines as replacements. I have found in my research that this engine is also used in various other GM vehicles, such as the Chevy Lumina and Monte Carlo.

My questions are as follows:

Can I install an engine from the Lumina, Monte Carlo or other 3.1L vin M engine in my 98 Cutlass?

What changes would I need to make to install these other 3.1L vin M engines in my 98 Cutlass? Engine mounts, etc.

Since these engines are suspect to lower intake manifold gasket failure, how can I best inspect a used engine to make sure it has not leaked coolant into the oil and vice versa?

Any additional help is appreciated.

Thank you.

Sam Labash

[maxwedge]

Some engine mounts may be different but those engines are interchangeable, any salvage yard has the cross reference applications for all those engines, I would do the lower gaskets no matter what on any used engine.

[sjlabash]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated.

[SleepyHead98]

Im no expert, but I do know there are TWO, yes TWO different 3.1 liters. A 191 VS 189. Cutlass has the 189. Be sure to verify you get a Vin M.

[sjlabash]

Thank you. I think the 1998 Cutlass has the 191. They are all 3.1L vin M engines. I'm just wondering if there are different bolt holes drilled, so the mounts or tranny or accessories will not match up. I'm going to the salvage yard and check the others against the one that's called out in the inventory search. I would just buy that one except the others have less mileage.

Thanks again.