Hi,

I'm Sam and have a 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass. I joined this forum because I need some advice on purchasing & installing a used 3.1L vin M engine.

I plan on installing a used engine in a 98 Olds Cutlass (6 cyl, 3.1L Vin M) due to a failed lower intake manifold gasket (coolant contaminated oil) which led to at least one failed rod bearing. An inventory search on local junkyard sites seem to match only the Malibu and Cutlass engines as replacements. I have found in my research that this engine is also used in various other GM vehicles, such as the Chevy Lumina and Monte Carlo.

My questions are as follows:

Can I install an engine from the Lumina, Monte Carlo or other 3.1L vin M engine in my 98 Cutlass? Will these engines mate correctly to the transmission and also have the correct bolt holes for the mounts and other accessories?

What changes would I need to make to install these other 3.1L vin M engines in my 98 Cutlass? Engine mounts, etc.

Since these engines are suspect to lower intake manifold gasket failure, how can I best inspect a used engine to make sure it has not leaked coolant into the oil and vice versa?

Any additional help is appreciated.

Thank you.

Sam Labash

are you saying cierra? i havent done a 3100 but most times if they have different parts you can use all your old engines parts.

as far as the gasket, they started in late 03 with a felpro aluminum framed gasket kit that takes care of the issue. i would find a low mileage short or long block and get that kit for preventative maintenance

Thank you for the reply.

The salvage yard that I'm going to this Sat. has a couple 3.1L vin M engines. 1 from a 1999 Cutlass and 2 from a 98/99 Chevy Lumina and 2 from a 98/99 Buick Century. My concern is that these engines will not mate with the Cutlass transmission or I will not be able to use the original mounts which are in different locations than these other models. When I do an inventory search on car-part.com for my 98 cutlass, the only engines that are shown as matches are from either the Cutlass or Chevy Malibu. I'm trying to determine if I can use the engines from these other cars, then I will be able to get a better engine.

Sam

wikipedia;

L82

The L82 ("M-code") was an updated, SFI version of the MPFI LH0, produced from 1993 through 1999. It featured a structural oil pan, a stiffer redesigned engine block, and sequential fuel injection. Output for this version was up 20 hp (15 kW), over the previous Gen II LH0, to 160 hp (119 kW) at 5200 rpm and 185 lb·ft (251 N·m) at 4000 rpm. Compression Ratio for the L82 was 9.5:1 and the bore measured 89 mm (3.5 in) while the stroke was 84 mm (3.3 in) giving it a displacement of 191 CID (3,136 cc). This engine is notable for its cooling system issues which may lead to blown head gaskets and cracked heads if the engine is not maintained properly.

Applications:

1994–1999 Buick Century
1994–1996 Buick Regal
1994–1996 Chevrolet Beretta
1994–1996 Chevrolet Corsica
1995–1999 Chevrolet Lumina
1997–1999 Chevrolet Malibu
1993–1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (1993 received both LH0 and L82 3.1 L motors)
1994–1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
1997–1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS
1994–1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
1994–1998 Pontiac Grand Am
1994–1998 Buick Skylark
1994–1998 Oldsmobile Achieva
1995–1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The L82 should be a straight forward swap, especially if you get one from another N Body (Cutlass, Malibu, older grand am).

If you want a little extra power, look into swapping in a LG8 3100, or even the LA1 3400. You *should* be able to use your motor mounts, and the wiring and sensors from your motor.

Thank you for the info. It seems like I would be able to use an engine from any of these cars, but I'm just wondering why autos other than Malibu or Cutlass do not show up in an engine or transmission salvage yard inventory search. If I search for intake and exhaust manifolds, other cars show up as replacements. I plan to look at engines from several of these cars and compare it with the one from the Cutlass. Hopefully, I don't miss something.

Thanks again.