I suppose it could be possible. But if cylinder 1 is already down on compression, I wouldn't even waste my time trying to figure out the #3 deal. Just find a used/reman engine and swap in.
I guess if its a school, pull valve cover and see if its still in time.
3.6 V6 was the only engine in 2012, Unless you mean malibu and not impala.
Doesn't sound familiar, but I've seen the 2.5/2.0 malibu crack pistons and 3.6 impalas have cam/valve train issues.
EDIT: 2012 malibu would be 2.4 or 3.6, not the engines I mentioned above.
Don't let the diff discoruage you. You can have it out in 5-10 minutes. Front driveshaft bolts, 4 mount bolts, 6 axle bolts on each side, unhook electrical connector and vent hose.
That's happened to a friend of mine in several states. He drives his cars with MI plates, but works all over the US. Got so bad that he added several cameras to his car along with police style radar system. He took Indiana to court over illegal search/s and won.
CB radio, Radar detector, Waze app, Police scanner. All work well if you plan to be above the speed limit. I run all of them except a scanner on road trips, no tickets yet (knock on wood).
That's a hell of a transformation. This is the last time I saw it
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r39/aussiek2000/Toyota/E3732D2A-EB01-4CDE-8F56-EE2880E834C8.jpg
It's similar in color to your firebird. If you've seen a G8 that color in Muskingum county, its most likely me.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r39/aussiek2000/Pontiac/D6504E97-91D5-4C4B-9036-A8FFF50BE2CF.jpg