Enging and trans swap-out.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Hi guys. My son's 98 Lumina has an uber tired motor and trans. I have a 96 lumina that runs great but the undercarridge has fallen apart and is ready for the scrap yard.

They're both 3.1 L motors. I know some motors and trans can not be swapped out between years but am unsure if I can put the power plant from the 96 into the 98. I called the local auto scrap yard and even though they have the info they really wern't very helpful. I did the normal google search and really didn't find out.

So I come to yous automotive experts for some 411. Can I plop the 3100 and trans from my 96 lumina into my sons 98 lumina? Or, are they not compatible?

Thanks.

[Jeremy airjer W]

If I do a parts search at a popular auto salvage HSOforum the 98 trans shows two listings out of 1998 vehicles. If I search 96 it lists one trans from a 97. I would have to assume the transmissions are different.

As long as the engines look the same than they should swap. You make have to swap brackets, some sensors, and other parts that have different connectors or configurations. I believe the 3.1 is an "m" engine. If the eighth letter of the vin is an "m" and the intake plenum looks identical than it should work.

[Macgyver55]

Its a bit iffy Eric, but possibly "doable" with some ingenuity! They used a "1st design" and a "2nd design" engine in the 96 model year so as Jer said, check closely that things look the same. Also in 98 they had an M13 or an M15 trans option so its important to verify that too. The amount of bolts on the pan (and pan shape)will usually differ. A quick check shows the same part number for mounts for both the motor and trans in each year so its likely it would bolt in, but again some connectors may be different.

I'd park them side by side and start comparing to see if they are indeed the same before starting to dismantle. Check for sensor locations, connector styles, linkages, cooling hose routing and such, but keep in mind that bolt-ons can be exchanged if necessary. Another thing to look at is the computer on each vehicle to see if they use the same connector. The 98 uses a different ECM than the 96 so that could come into play too.

The amount of time you are willing to invest into the project will determine if its worth it or not. I think it will probably bolt in....its all the little things that could complicate it.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Thanks fellas. I did a bit more searching around and apparently there are some pretty big differences in trans between the 96 and 98. So that's a no go.

Engines are similar and from what I've learned can be done. However, it appears to be a pretty big pain in the rear especially when he can get a 98 engine for his car at a local yard for 400 bucks. Another few bucks to swap out intake gaskets and he's better off going that route. Saves me a ton of hassle, also.