changing out an Ilumina 3.1 engine

[shrevepuff]

My cousin put a 2.8 Chevrolet 1989 or 1999 Celebrity engine in my 3.1 Chevrolet Ilumina 1990. The engine ran hot, my brother put in a thermostat, antifreeze and it still blew the head gasket within a couple of days time.
Is there a way to find out what engine you can replace in what type car?
Just wondering what else needs to be done. Has anyone else been through this?
We are getting someone to take off the heads and getting new seals, etc. whatever has to be done.
Please help.
Thank you,
Carol in Louisiana

[Zivon23]

The engine was prolly running hot because it was being over worked. What I would suggest is try to find a cheap lumina with the original engine and go from there......I just bought a '92 3.1L today for $200.00. I was going to buy a '91 Euro on Friday for $400.00. They are out there. However, if you are going to do an engine swap.....maybe you sould look into the Z34 version.....3.4L I believe. Hope what I have said helps and much luck for you......

Zivon23