Can I swap my engine for one out of a newer version of the same car

Asked by buzzkill0103 Apr 14, 2016 at 11:31 PM about the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu with a 3.1L motor.  A friend has a 2003 Chevy
Malibu with a 3.1L OHV motor.  Any idea if I can swap my motor out for the
3.1 OHV?  Mine needs a lot of work done, essentially a rebuild and the other
is in really good running condition.

17 Answers

144,795

This can be done,but you may all so need the donor car computer,and wiring harness,

7 people found this helpful.
10,490

It appears you have a LG8 engine that was used from 1999 to 2003 so an engine from several GM cars with that size engine would probably be a drop in exchange......but I also agree for best results use the engine control module from the donor engine/car. If you want a little more power, the LA1 was a bored version of the 3.1 and it was 3.4 (10% bigger) was used from 1999 to 2005 in these vehicles 1996 Chevrolet Lumina APV 1997-2005 Chevrolet Venture 1996-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette 1996-1998 Pontiac Trans Sport 1999-2005 Pontiac Montana 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala 2000-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek 2002-2005 Buick Rendezvous

5 people found this helpful.
120

question , i have a 2005 malibu and was wondering could my engine from the 05 malibu be placed in a 2001 chevy malibu

12 people found this helpful.
80

Can i interchage a 91 3.1 to a 2000 3.1 if i change all the intake stuff

5 people found this helpful.
60

I have a 2006 chevy Impala and the Motor is shot Can I replace with one say from 2017 or new than 2006

6 people found this helpful.
50

I have an 98-05 Malibu with an 3.1v6 can I put the high value 3.5 non vvt v6 engine in it

5 people found this helpful.
110

I have a 2011 Chevy Malibu an was curious if a 2004 Chevy Malibu motor would interchange in it hit me up 2708711719

11 people found this helpful.
30

I have 1998 Pontiac grand am GT 3.1 engine and i want to swap 3.4 engine to it.. well it work?

3 people found this helpful.
10,490

The answer to all the above questions is yes it can be done but do you have the time and talent to make the swap? Are you going to pay someone else to do the swap? GM used the same engines in different cars and for more than one year. Unlike the old carbeurated engines, the new electronic controlled fuel injection engines are constantly upgraded and that is good and bad. You should always use the ECM (engine control module) that goes with the engine. What sometimes happens, GM changes the plugs so you old wiring harness will not plug into the new ECM. That is simple to check before you do and nut turning.

2 people found this helpful.
10

What cars can I swap the engine from a 10 Chevy Malibu LS

1 people found this helpful.
10

can i put a big block in my chevy malibu

1 people found this helpful.
20

On my 09 impala can i put the 3.9 block and remove my 3.5 with minors changes? Can I use my 3.5 tranny I had ?

2 people found this helpful.
80

2016 Malibu lt(new version) 1.5l can I put the bigger engine in here the 2.0 I think it is. How much should I expect to pay for the labor?

30

What year can I git a motor out of to put in a 2005 chevy Malibu 3100

1 people found this helpful.

Is it possible to swap a 3.4 with a 3.1? I have the matching trans with the 3.1, wasnt sure what else would be different. Thanks for the help.

Your Answer:

Malibu

Looking for a Used Malibu in your area?

CarGurus has 1,151 nationwide Malibu listings starting at $1,295.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,600
  • #2
    T_S_T
    Reputation
    4,410
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    4,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Accord
43 Great Deals out of 907 listings starting at $1,599
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $2,212
Used Nissan Altima
22 Great Deals out of 709 listings starting at $1,400
Used Honda Civic
176 Great Deals out of 3,690 listings starting at $1,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
195 Great Deals out of 5,967 listings starting at $2,975
Used Chevrolet Camaro
16 Great Deals out of 307 listings starting at $9,995
Used Toyota Corolla
122 Great Deals out of 1,994 listings starting at $2,795
Used Hyundai Elantra
161 Great Deals out of 3,498 listings starting at $2,995
Used Nissan Maxima
8 Great Deals out of 143 listings starting at $5,995
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
122 Great Deals out of 3,221 listings starting at $4,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.