3.1 :Fix or Replace?

[1herrick1]

My sister has a 3.1 '96 Lumina. It's only got 80K miles on the clock. She called me the other day and wanted me to listen to it. Yeah, well, it's hard to mistake a nasty rod knock. I've been doing a little research and it seems that these motors had a habit of sneezing intake gaskets and filling the crankcase full of antifreeze and spinning the bearings. There's no indication of coolant on the dipstick, but she said she just had the oil changed the week before. The coolant is way low too. I'm guessing that's what happened. I had kind of figured on putting a crank and bearings in it and buttoning it back up, but now I'm concerned about what other damage has likely been done. I'd hate to do all that work and have something else crop up. A used engine is an option, but I'm having issues sorting out what models and years would fit. Can anybody help me out with an interchange guide or other advice? Thanks a ton in advance!

[tblake]

the 8th digit of the vin is the engine code. find a 96 or up lumina with the same engine vin code and it will bolt right up

[1herrick1]

Any idea if a 3.1 out of a '98 Grand Am would fit? I've got one of those located.

[richtazz]

That engine will work, they both have the same GM part number.

[1herrick1]

Thanks for the help, guys. I'm going to swing by this guy's place and pick up the Pontiac motor and tranny tomorrow on my way home. 70K miles on both for $400. Don't think I'm going to find a much better deal. If it fits and runs, life will be sweet. My sister's driving MY car while hers is busted up. I want it BACK!! $3 a gallon and my pickup get 15 MPG. I'm hurtin!

[richtazz]

Make sure you change the intake gasket while the engine is out. It's not a matter of if but WHEN it will go. Nip it in the bud now and do it while it's easy. Fel-Pro makes an improved steel/rubber gasket kit, part number MS98004t, that includes the intake, plenum, valve cover and coolant passage o-ring. Also replace the oil pump drive o-ring (fel-pro 70800) and use a small block chevy distributor gasket on the top of it (fel-pro 70194) as added insurance against future oil leaks.