Maven's '78 Malibu coupe(another GenIII swap)

M

maven

Apprentice

Sep 23, 2013

61

0

0

• Oct 2, 2013

• #1

Hello everyone! lurked here for a long time, been into A/G bodies for 20+ years, thought Id share my current project.

1978 Malibu Classic coupe 200 v-6/TH350 65k, purchased 10 years ago, was daily driver for 3 years, then got parked when my son was born. Decided to pull it out and press it back into service as weekend family cruiser/second vehicle.

The N90s have been on since the day after I bought the car,stainless brake lines right before I parked it, beyond that its bone stock currently. Plans for this fall include installing a '99 5.3L LM7, staying with the TH350 til it fails(installing stainless trans lines I purchased 8yrs ago :lol: ), running truck accessories but no A/C initially, stock LM7 EFI, CTSV or Holley pan, F body exhaust manifolds, 2wd Blazer front brake swap. Pretty basic, nothing crazy for now, basically just a mild brake upgrade and repower.

Couple phone pics:

Thanks for looking, comments, questions, heckling and finger pointing welcome.

 

-83MONTESS-

Comic Book Super Hero

Nov 4, 2010

4,570

967

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33

Bellevue, Ohio

• Oct 2, 2013

• #2

Wow that looks clean! Definatley looks like perfect candidate for a swap. Keep us posted.

 

M

maven

Apprentice

Sep 23, 2013

61

0

0

• Oct 9, 2013

• #3

Ordered up my setback plates and my LSA oil pan and pickup today 🙂

 

M

maven

Apprentice

Sep 23, 2013

61

0

0

• Oct 13, 2013

• #4

Got my LSA oil pan and pickup on Friday

went to yard yesterday and got a hold of some stuff. Picked up an ECM, harness, alternator, PS pump and bracket, and flywheel spacer.
Bracket, Alt and PS pump are getting stripped and painted.(Blazer brakes in pic too)

Already started paring down the wiring harness. cut out all the wires for the fuel tank pressure, fuel level, EVAP, transmission and other goodies I wont be using.

 

lg1200

Master Mechanic

Mar 1, 2011

308

2

18

• Oct 13, 2013

• #5

where did you get the oil pan? looks factory. i have a 5.3 from a 02 tahoe that i recently picked up. i've seen the holley one and a few others on ebay. post the part number and where you bought it if you don't mind bro..and that Bu is bad *ss..hard top..classic and hard to find.

 

455'ed80Regal

Master Mechanic

Nov 3, 2010

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53

Lincoln, MO

• Oct 13, 2013

• #6

I think the oil pans used on LS equipped Colorado p/u is very popular for these engine swaps. That Malibu makes me wish I had snagged the one my cousin had oh so many years ago.

 

M

maven

Apprentice

Sep 23, 2013

61

0

0

• Oct 14, 2013

• #7

Pan looks factory because it is 🙂 its from the LSA in the CTSV2s. I'll post numbers tomorrow. They are all over the internet though. I'm a dealership tech, just ordered it at the parts counter

 

M

maven

Apprentice

Sep 23, 2013

61

0

0

• Oct 16, 2013

• #8

LSA oil pickup (screen) 12621299
LSA oil pan 12631828

The LSA oil pan in the Camaro is a different number and costs more, the LS6 pan from the CTSV1 cost like double. the LSA CTSV2 lists for $210 or so, should be cheaper everywhere, I paid $119 as a tech at my dealer.



Ordered everything I need to remove my heads, lap the valves, install LS6 valvesprings and completely reseal the engine top to bottom. Still gotta order some ARP header bolts. Hope to disassemble clean and paint this weekend. Corporate Blue FTW

 

Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound

Oct 14, 2008

12,269

10,039

113

Gainesville, Fl

• Oct 16, 2013

• #9

Looks like a great project. Good solid Malibu coupe to begin with...LS engine, dual piston 2x2 Blazer front brakes...you're definitely off to a good start. 8)
Working for a dealership is a definite advantage.. :wink:

 

M

maven

Apprentice

Sep 23, 2013

61

0

0

• Oct 22, 2013

• #10

Got in all my gaskets and bolts, etc.... Completely resealing engine and swapping to LS6 valvesprings and new (LS2 style) timing chain.

Tore of the top end this weekend, no surprises, nice and clean as expected for 80k (pics once PB isnt locking my browser )