78-82 malibu wagon transmission options

[Dwight Southerland]

A manual factor is listed for '83, not '82. However, this is due to inconsistencies in the class guide. They also list an automatic factor for '65, '66 and '67 396 375 hp combinations and these were never produced and you cannot race them. The indicator of the available combinations on the '82 & '83 305s is that the blueprint specs list an automatic carb and that is all. If Chevrolet really did produce the cars with a stick, it would have been a 3-speed or 4-speed since the 5-speed was only ever available in the F-body cars. It will be up to you to provide the evidence and convice NHRA to accept it.

[FED 387]

Thanx for your reply kinda what I was thinking but hearing it from some one more knowledgeable on the subject clears my thoughts on the subject---Once again thanx for your reply now off to the drawing board to see what we might do--Comp 387

[david ring]

Dick,

I hope you go with this project. I think those wagons are cool. I'd go with the th-200. there are lots of good builders of these. people recommend Jack Sepanick and Scott McClay did the one in my altered. Figure out which combo you think has the best potential for what you are willing to spend and have fun. One of my friend's has been working on getting a 6 cylinder jeep truck to run for a couple of years-it's coming along slowly but he's having a blast-he did go to the quarter finals at the E-town points race. And you'll get to hang with some great d3 racers and have fun. You'll have a blast.

In picking an engine combo, the thing I'd considered most is how will it be able to deal with the heat of those mid-west summers. It might not be best in terms of HP, but it might be better in terms of actual racing conditions, particularly in terms of consistency.

[Dave Ribeiro]

Dick,

I agree with David + Dwight on racing the wagon.. I can only tell you that you will have more fun, meet the nicest racers and wonder why you didn't do it sooner !!! Go for it, life is too short and you will love it... The smart think is do it right the first time and it will cost you alot less in the long run..I would stay with an automatic, there are plenty of them out there who go fast and are low maintance...Cause at our ages you don't want to be under the car everyday ??
I also agree with David on trans( Sepanek) who I use is great and can fix you up for a good price( T-200).. PTC is very good on convertors(Kenny Ford)... Engines; Bud Rowe, Billy Linn, Tilberg, etc... I would try Bud Rowe, he has a long track-record with small blocks and good prices, I sure you must have someone out your way also...Please don't be a test car on 305 ci or you will spend alot more $$$$$$.. Go with someone who builds them everyday and has the hot set-up, remember you get what you pay for...........Good Luck with your project, you won't be Sorry !!!
Dave...1033/stock(Pontiac)