Thread: Motor Swap in 1997 Grand Prix GT Coupe L36

you should be fine with all those hand tools you have already. id look into an engine hoist.

when i took out my motor i removed the power steering pump so i didnt have to disconnect the lines. just kind of set it on the side and zip tied it up (still in the engine bay). also, if you take just the motor out instead of the motor/trans then you dont have to disconnect the transmission fluid lines or pop out the axles, which makes it much easier.

youre going to have to disconnect the motor from the trans with a few big bolts, but when you think you have them all youre wrong. there is one that goes in from the motor side towards the trans. if you reach under the drivers side of the rear head you can feel it. it is easiest to take that one out with the rear head off, but you can also get to it with about 3 feet of extensions going through the passenger wheel well. if you feel like leaving this one out when you reinstall the new motor, feel free. it wont cause any ill effects.

youll also have to take out the flexplate bolts that go into the torque converter. just take off the little plastic covers and turn the flexplate by hand until you can see the bolt you have to take out. repeat until you take out all 5 (i think).

final tip: call a friend or two. it is no fun doing this on your own.


overall it is fairly easy, just take your time and label all of the cables/connectors so you know where they go later.