1978 Malibu for stock?
 

OK guys...I am a super class racer and want to build this car to a stock class car... Just want to play in a new class. I have the car as was sitting. I want to build the 305 and 350 trans. I need helpful ideas... And any know upgrades that arent $1000 each..LOL
What 12 bolt rears fit this if any?
Would the 10 bolt hold up with a spool and axles?
What heads are the best?
I dont want to be the fastest, just run 0.60 under or so...

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

I would suggest doing some searches on this forum and in the tech forum first, before you get too far ahead of yourself. Making this car into a stocker is going to take a lot more work and cash than a few upgrades...especially if you expect to run 6 under! Remember, 6 under is the new 9 under!!

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

j, talk to Dean Oliver, Greg Turk or Billy Lynn. Any of these guys are very nice and helpful to get you started. 2 of them have Facebook pages too. C'mon in, the waters fine. I'd bet you will have fun...........and some headaches!

Wade O

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

Don't call your car a 78 call it a 79 or later
78 is a 2 bbl engine.
10 bolt will work just buy the good stuff for it.

Hammer

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

I will sell you mine which is almost ready to go down the track for 10K. You cant buy the pieces to put one together for that. Good luck with whatever you do. Mike

Mike Galuk
JOE COOL RACING
M/SA-2000

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

OK...now this is not for class wins... just would like to throw some money at it and do a "legal" car and see what it runs, then start doing mods. I alway bracket race and never tried to make a car run fast. Can I call it a 79 without much effort? Anyone know what was different on them? I have to get a dash anyway...will get a 79 dash. Thanks for the info, keep the suggestions coming...
What # heads work the best...Intake #?

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

You have a PM. Mike

Mike Galuk
JOE COOL RACING
M/SA-2000

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

Grill and taillight change for the 78 to 79 model year swap. My car is a 78, I run it as a 79 right now. If you make it an 80 or 81, you can use the 416 head, which is easier to find than the 450 head for the 79. You will have to change the nose piece to make it an 80 or 81. You should also consider the 200 trans.

Dave

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

Just Grille and taillights? Seems too easy? I can find those I am sure. Then car run a 305 4bbl.

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

you have a PM

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

OK...just informed...its already a 1979... Who knew? LOl
I have a 305 engine now....just have to start checking numbers. How hard to find a 200 trans? What are they out of? Not very into gm parts...LOL
Hey, you people are gonna build this thig...not me...I will be the assembler. LOL

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

You need to find a set of 450 heads with the big valves, most came with small intake valves. You can also use a 614 head. I use a 249 manifold. The 200's came in late 70's and early 80's cars. I'm sure not really one to give advice here, there are alot of fast guys out there with G-bodies, and they have alot more experience than me. I am new to stock racing as well, just letting you know what I run and what info I have picked up so far.

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

OK guys...thanks for the help. But adding up what I have and what I need... I will be switching cars. I think I will look for a 79 or 80 Malibu... Mine is too stripped and would be tough to rebuild. Plus it is a 1978. Soooo I am bbc'ing it for s/st ...
What is the easiest car to build to stock? I was thinking a 1976 Nova? Or is the Malibu better. Both are easy to find. I just want to throw together one to run and play with. Maybe a 70 ish Camaro? I have a duster I will finish asap and then will be looking for a junker to build. I just liked the Malibu idea...just too much missing. (No dash, wrong year, no interior..)

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

[QUOTE=jpalmer;looking for a junker to build. I just liked the Malibu idea...just too much missing. (No dash, wrong year, no interior..)

It sounds like a S/ST or bracket car already. Best advice is to BUY a done stocker and save a ton of money, work, and time. It dosent have to be a killer car or a 67-68 Camaro. Id stay away from the higher classed cars in the beginning until you gain experience and see if you have the desire to begin a career of never ending spending $$$$.....lol. There are plenty for sale that will run 5-6 under and are legal. I would also suggest talking to some stocker racers at the opens, points races, etc. (they are very helpful.....some more than others) to gain some knowledge about how to go about running a class legal car and which combos are easier to make competitive than some of the others. Class racing is a different world than the .90 classes to compete in and requires a different attitude toward all of it. It can be very rewarding as in self satisfaction.

Re: 1978 Malibu for stock?
 

The year modal on the Malibu isn't hard to change enough for NHRA/IHRA and finding parts are easier than some others. If I were to start from scratch I would spend some serious time looking at the classification guides and find a fairly favorable combination that won't be as hard to make competitive. Look through the qualifying and elimination runs from Drag Race Central and see if there is a combo that runs good that you like. The smaller carb and/or motors seem to be effected by weather changes more than combos with bigger engines/carbs. Fuel Injected cars are getting more affordable. If I had it to do over again I would buy a car that is already running and go from there. Believe me it will save you money in the long run. There areseveral cars for sale now that would make a good startercar. JMT.