Hey guys, new user here. Just found this forum and since I own a G-Body, I figured I could post a little about my car. A little background: This is my first and only car (for right now), found her in some guy's driveway for $900. This is my daily driver/project car. I've been in the process of building it more to my needs and wants, so I'll show her off a little and update as I get stuff done on her. I know I got quite the list of things to do, but I hope you guys enjoy.
1980 Malibu Classic Sedan
- Thread starter Sidewayz_97
- Start date
- Status
Nice find. Good source for parts is RockAuto.com. I've seen the wheel caps on EBay for under$50 a set. I like the father-son project. Keep an eye peeled for a good '88+ 700R4 with mechanical speedo (old F-body or pickup is a good source) to put a bit more zip off the line plus overdrive. There is an easy hookup to make the lockup work without the computer. Need to shorten the driveshaft about 3".
Thanks! It's funny that you mention the 700r4 as getting an overdrive transmission was gonna be the next thing I do after I get my new cam and lifters. Though I've been having some trouble deciding whether to get the 200 or the 700. I know where I can get a 700r4 for practically nothing, but it seems like it'd be more costly to put in the 700.
I have a 'Haywire' lockup kit I am not using that I can share for $50. The linkage connects the same, you just have one more click below '1'. The crossmember pad needs to move backward a couple inches. I think I remember shortening my stock one and drilling a new hole. Another option is to get the Jegs double-hump for 700R4 - then you can add true dual exhaust later. (Also sold in a complete kit.) http://www.jegs.com/i/Jegster/550/41051 ... Id=1175461. The 700-R4 is more common than the 200-4R, and the 700 comes with a 3.06 first gear, vs. ~2.42 in the TH350. You don't have to change out the highway rear ratio, and can cruise at 1700 RPM, saving gas. The only trick is you'll have to swap the speedo gears to match your rear axle ratio. http://www.transmissioncenter.org/GM_Sp ... _Gears.htm
Comparison from elsewhere on the Forum:
2004R 700R4
1st Gear 2.74 3.06
2nd 1.57 1.62
3rd 1.00 1.00
4th .67 .70
Comparison from elsewhere on the Forum:
2004R 700R4
1st Gear 2.74 3.06
2nd 1.57 1.62
3rd 1.00 1.00
4th .67 .70
When I get a little extra money I'll hit you up on the lockup kit. With a 2.42 rear, I think the 700r4 would be my choice at this point. Finding the right speedometer gears is gonna be the fun part of this lol. With stock 195/75/14 tires, I think I'd need a 19 teeth drive gear and a 34 teeth driven gear. I'm still fairly new with all of this lol
Yes, but that's the fun. When you have a colicky baby on your shoulder, about all you can do is dream and research. My three kids are bigger now, but not yet able to reliably help out under the car. PM me if/when you need a lockup kit. It has instructions.
Your tires are 26 inches tall. So are 255-50-16s! Just 2-1/2 inches wider...
Your tires are 26 inches tall. So are 255-50-16s! Just 2-1/2 inches wider...
So, today I found a set of taillights out of an old Bonneville. Sorta look like the 81+ Malibu ones. I'm debating on whether or not to use them. What do you guys think?
Sweet Malibu!.....I love my two door but I have always been a fan of the 4 doors as well. I've been considering swapping my TH350 for a 700R4 but not sure if I wanna take the time to do it. May be a project for next winter. Would be nice to have a little more jump out of the hole and overdrive.
Well just a little update on the 'bu. I'm not sure if I mentioned the fact that she has a couple worn cam lobes and worn out lifters... But anyways, I have had it parked for a while now as the thing now doesn't have enough power to pull a greasy string from a cat's butt, but I decided to start it up and let it run for a couple minutes just so things in the motor wouldn't fall out of shape even more. It started right up and I listened to her idle for about 3 minutes then I noticed the temp got a lot hotter than what it normally runs. Had the thermostat out and drove it for a couple days before I parked it, but anyways, there was no reason for it to get hot. It has a good radiator, brand new water pump and everything. But after I shut it off, I decided to check the oil because why not? Well, when I checked the oil, it was milky. Real milky, so that's obviously a head gasket or even another head. Seeing as it's only a 305, I decided that the best course of action right now would be to yank the thing out and drop a good 350 in, which is what I should've done to begin with. I'm just sick and tired of that 305 lol...
- Status
Similar threads
