96 to 2000 engine swap

[spooner418]

hi everyone,
just signed up.I got a question about a 96 3.1 out of a grand am.will the swap fit into a 2000 malibu ls,or is more hassel than anything else.the 96 has the tranny bolted to an is in perfect condition.will the tranny fit also.

thanks in advance

[bszopi]

Welcome to the site!

Unfortunately, it is actually illegal to install an older engine into a newer vehicle, as the emission controls of the older engine will not meet the requirements of the newer vehicle. With that said, I'm guessing you want to swap them because the existing engine in the 2000 is blown? If so, what is the cause? If it is something in the bottom end, you should be able to use the bottom end of the 96, and the top end (heads up) from the 2000 and still be fine. This will also provide you with about the same power, as going to the 96 complete would lower your power output by 10-15hp. As far as the tranny goes, that would be a no-go. The 96 GA most likely uses a 4T60E, whereas the Malibu would use a 4T40/45E. The newer 4T40/45E's are completely computer controlled, therefore the PCM is going to be trying to do things that the 4T60E can't do, therefore resulting in error codes (and most likely put you into a limp mode of driving).

Hopefully that gives you a possible direction to go. Feel free to continue to ask more questions!

[spooner418]

thanks for the info, the 2000 is not blown it has 219,000 kilometers,it has the piston pin knock.I paid $500 for the car off my freind it runs fine,and is an LS so it is fully equiped.the motor-tranny can with the car and had no knocks.He was told it was a direct swap.guess what I dont think so.the horsepower is not a concern,I live in Quebec city ,canada so backing up would not be a problem.I just try to find another motor,start doing that kind of work is more a hassel,be cheaper to find another one.

Thanks again,you confirmed what I thought,also read a couple of threads