If you live near a vocational school or career center, you might check their Automotive department. They might be able to help you out for a donation to the class.
yes
Reach down between the alternator pulley and the firewall. The service port is down there. has a blue plastic cap on it.
behind the engine
depends on the engine size and the transmission type.
There is no engine block drain plug on a 1996 Chevy Lumina. You drain from the radiator using the plastic plug at the bottom.
Having the diagram of the engine to the car being driven can come in handy. A person can find the 1997 Chevy Lumina Engine diagram in the maintenance manual.
CHANGE YOUR SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES FIRST
yes if its the not the DOHC from the Lumina Z34
The knock sensor, in your 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, can be found on the front of the engine. The knock sensor is near the top of the engine.
The 99 Buick Century 231 engine will fit into a 96 Chevy lumina with a little fabrication.
under the engine
Freeze plugs in a 96 Lumina are located at several places on the engine block. They are designed to expand and burst in a freeze instead of the engine being damaged.