Could someone please advise...I am replacing my 3.1 with a 3.1 from doner car.I have never done this before and was hoping to get a quick overview/outline on the NECESSARY steps, and any mistakes rookies usually make.
This is a straight TAKE IT OUT as complete as possible and stuff it right back in.

 

Yep. Take pics and make diagrams of wiring/vacuum lines, if you need to!

 

every plug you take off mark it with a sticker and put a number on it and then put a sticker with the same number on where you got the plug from...i only did that on about half of my plugs and believe me when you go to put those plugs and everything back on you think your gonna remember where they go but you don't and you find yourself searching all over the engine for where it goes....so take pictures (i didn't) if you want but defenitly mark all plugs and wires.

 

If this is your first time...
TAKE YOUR TIME.
REMOVE the nose and bumper bar. That will allow you to use the cheery picker nice and clean without rubbing it.
Otherwise your lifting from the side just to move the engine like a foot, dropping it, just to go to the front to finish lifting it.

But yes, completely remove the upper and middle intakes.
Remove distro cap and plug wires.
Label EVERYTHING.
Unhook manifolds and y pipe.
I will not go into every detail, but get a manual and if something is fighting/not wanting to move, STOP IMMEDIATELY and check for still connected plugs/wires hardware.
Also when I removed the engine in my GTA I also removed the radiator completely.

Also, just for your own personal education, keep the old engine and put it on a stand and take it apart and look at it. See how things go togeather and work.
You can also save the cash and rebuild it yourself. Of course have the machine work done, but you can disassemble and reassemble it yourself.

 

i agree with taking your time and getting the manual but there is no reason for you to take off the bumber and the radiator and all that, the cherry picker will lift the engine high enough so that you will clear all that before you remove the engine. and don't take off your manifolds just unhook the y-pipe from the manifold and lay it on the ground, also it might a little harder if your by yourself but get some help and take the driveshaft off and remove the transmission before you pull the engine it is a lot easier to get the engine out with out the trans on there. but definitly get a manual, i have the haynes manual for 82-92 camaro all models and it helped me a lot. but if you have any questions just post them and im sure i will or im sure other people will help you along the way of your 1st swap.