What's special about the engine in a 97 Venture?

[Billn]

I'm trying to find an engine for my 97 Silhouette. I've been told it has to come out of a 97 Venture, Silouette, or Montana. Why can't you just take one from a 98,99,00, etc. Why can't you take one from a car, like an Impala or something? Does anyone know what makes this year special?

[BAMonteSS]

I just replaced the one in my '97 Silhouette. I used an engine out of a '01 Impala. Here's what was different:

1) Wiring harness going to fuel injectors, I just swapped out the entire fuel rail with injectors, harness and all.

2) Upper intake manifold and throttle body. (Bolt holes for throttle linkage are different)

3) My van came with the oil cooler, so I swapped over the cooler... not sure if all minivans came with this, or if it's even needed. If yours has one, you'll need to change the steel water line as well.

Hope this helps... I didn't much more info on this when I was getting into it.

One more tip... DO NOT attempt to pull the engine from the top!!! I tried this and regretted it. I re-installed from the bottom after pulling the cradle and it was so much simpler.

Jake