Engine swap...

Hi,

when I have an 3.1 engine can I swap to another when I change the Transmission too? Or is it better when I change the same engine...
When I take another engine, is it enough when I change the ECM and senors?

On this side you can see with what engine the transmission is compatible:

http://www.tigertransmission.com/transmissions/product.php?productid=168&cat=344&page=1

Whats about the 2.2 L egines?

Same tramsnission "type" does not mean one will fit all engine combinaisons: bellhousing, gear ratio and other factors vary. Gear ratios vary even within same engine-transmission combinaisons used in different cars like Transport and Bonneville of same year and would generate error codes as the car computer is strictly matched to a specific transmission ratio to analyse clutch slip and shift speeds. So one must watch transmission codes to be sure to get one with exact same ratios. shown here for 3T40 as of 1993
http://www.avigex.ca/xport/ratio3T40.jpg
Modern cars engine involve all the wiring that goes with it so swapping engine type is practically impossible.

Ok, under this condition I think its better the same engine to buy.
But what can I do that tis problem not come back, I read a lot threads that the 3.1 have lot problems with gaskets...

Seeing your photos, it looks like the only "chevrolet APV" component is the chevy crest on the hood, all the rest, mouldings, "bumpers", rear hatch and tail markings are all Transport....anyway, APV and Transport are same car for all purposes; the European version was indeed specific and mixed the appearance of both, keeping the "dust buster" front end all the way while American production shifted to the new "rounder" front end in '94.
INdeed the 3.1 and then the 3.4 are plagued with the head gasket problem and all I can say is hope no other damage resulted ; if no water went to the oil pan or no knocking from bearings and connecting rods can be found, several have success installing new head gaskets and new head bolts properly torqued. It can be easier though to switch engine if the replacement can be verified as better than the one you have. The swap requires to drop the subframe, although head gasket job "can" be done "in situ".

Notice intake gasket problems are rather specific to the newer distributed injection and solid state distributor version of the 3.1..that was then relabelled 3100, and the 3.4. The "3100" was not used in the transport/APV; the original throttle body injection 3.1 was used all the way till '95 and then they switched to 3.4 in 96. Intake gasket leak is blamed as a cause for several broken camshafts as the camshaft journals seize from coolant contamination.

Intake gaskets and intake manifold problems also appeared with the series2 3.8, starting in '95. Series 2 3.8 was never used in the Transport/APV.

Thx, for this good answer, but I did really have an Chevrolet Look:

VIN 1GNCU06D8LT11****
Year/Make/Model: 1990 CHEVROLET LUMINA
Body Style: SPORTS VAN
Engine Type: 3.1L V6 MPI OHV 12V
Manufactured In: UNITED STATES
Search Results: 1 record found in our database
I dont's know what happens with the car, I dont like it too.

You mean that here, right?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Chevrolet-Lumina-APV.jpg/800px-Chevrolet-Lumina-APV.jpg

So what I read of your text, its the same what I doing, the problem can come back at anytime.
But I love this car, and the rest is in best condition, I dont want give up the car.:(