1978 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. This is the First Year for this style Malibu. These were the last of the rear wheel drive Malibu's and were produced in 1978,1979,1980, & 1981. This was the only year for angled rear side markers. They look good with the 3rd Gen. Firebird rear spoiler.
The steering wheel, center console and shifter along with the front bucket seats all come from a mid 80's Monte Carlo SS.
The car is currently powered by it's stock 305 4bbl and backed by a 3 speed metric trans and open 10 bolt rear. Future plans call for a thumping large cube small block, a built automatic transmission with overdrive and a posi rear.
Plans call for this car to be on the Hot Rod Power tour within the next few years. I am building this to make 400+ Horse Power, weigh about 3000 lbs and make the entire Power Tour while knocking down 18-20 MPG.
Since I originally posted the ride I have made some changes. The stock single exhaust and cat were cut off and a custom 2 1/4" true dual exhaust went on with Flowmaster 2 chamber mufflers. The stock 7.5 10 bolt open rear end was replaced with a 8.5 Buick Grand National rear with a 3.42 Posi. Next weekend the stock 305 is coming out to make way for a 1965 Corvette 327 that has been bored to 333 c.i. and has a few nice pieces like a forged crank and 4 bolt mains, worked 300 horse Corvette heads, and a 296/296 cam from Erson. At the same time the engine goes in, I plan to swap the 3 speed auto for a built 200R4 with a custom converter and swap the 3.42 gears for a set of 3.90's. More photos coming soon.
