Auto Parts: engine cross referancing, pontiac buick, chevy dealers

Question
I have a 1999 pontiac grand am with a 3.4 L v6 my motor is no good and I was wondering what other vehicles i can get the 3.4 out of where it will go right in, where the motor mounts line up, the computer works with basically a cross referance list on a 1999 pontiac grand am 3.4 L v6 engine

Answer
    All front-wheel drive 3.4 liter engines will interchange from 99 and up.  This does not include overhead cam engines or the engines used in the Camaro and Firebird.  If you are buying a used engine to transplant, make sure that you get all of the mounts and any brackets if they can be unbolted from the frame.  Also get the electrical harness from the engine bay, although you may have to use yours over.  Although the engine will work, some of the other cars may use different gauge senders and exhaust manifolds, so you would want to swap them over, with new gaskets where applicable.  When you buy an engine from the salvage yard, find one that is in the car and ask to hear it run (they usually leave them in until they sell them), and make them take the care to remove all of the mounts and brackets and harness for you.  Salvage yard operators have a tendency to remove everything with a cutting torch and snips, make them take the time to do it correctly.
    While you are calling around getting prices from salvage yards (get at least four or five, you'd be amazed at the variation, inspite of fixed rate books and so forth), call a couple of Chevy dealers (they always give you a better price than a Pontiac, Buick, or Olds dealer would) and get a price on a complete "Goodwrench" replacement engine.  Sometimes they are surprisingly cheap and they come with a three-year parts and labor warranty, even if you install it yourself.  And, needless to say, now is a good time to jack up the parts dept. for a little extra discount on a high-priced part (tell them you want their best wholesale price and pay cash to get it).