i've already posted about a problem i have with my 1998 chevy malibu v6. i found out that the engine has a damaged rod. I have a 1997 pontiac grand am with the same type engine (GM 3100 sfi v6), but no problems. Can i swap the engines. Is there anything that i should know before attempting this? how can i tell if they are the same, or compatible?

The Grand Am, Alero, Malibu and the Skylark are the same chassis, the N-body, which this platform has been in use till the classic 2005 Malibu and last year of the Grand Am. the engines will interchange and since it's only a year older you shouldn't run into any issues.