Hey guys just picked up a 1979 Malibu classic from a family friend who’s grandpa passed away. They were going to just scrap it! So I bought it for 500 bucks runs and drive barely. Has 260k miles original owner! Fired up after 2 turns But the trans won’t switch out of 2 gear after we drove it for awhile. Got a bit of a project in front of me been wanting a classic for a very long time!! Thinking about going modern with an LS2 and upgrading my TH350 to stage 2. What is everyone running for rear diffs?
79 Malibu project NEW!
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Welcome to the site from Houston. Congratulations on the purchase. Good looking car.
If you're asking about rear gear, it depends on how you will use the car. Do you want to be able to run high speed on the highway for an extended time?
I'd suggest going with a 4L80E behind the LS2 and a 3.42 or 3.73 rear gear. If you stay with a three speed transmission I wouldn't go steeper than a 3.08.
If you meant differential, the Torsen differential from a late S10 or 4th gen F body is a popular budget upgrade for your 7.5. Along with that, it's popular to go with new 30 spline axles from Moser to match.
If you meant rear axle, the 9", S60 and GM 8.5" that came in the GN's, 442's and late Hurst/Olds are popular.
Very nice for $2k, let alone $500.
A couple of things you should do before you decide on a trans and rear upgrade/rebuild. Decide if you want a 4 speed with OD and tire size.
There is nothing wrong with a 7.5 and a TH350 if setup right in the correct application. Unless of course money is no object - if that’s the case then 4L80 and Dana 60 😉
A couple of things you should do before you decide on a trans and rear upgrade/rebuild. Decide if you want a 4 speed with OD and tire size.
There is nothing wrong with a 7.5 and a TH350 if setup right in the correct application. Unless of course money is no object - if that’s the case then 4L80 and Dana 60 😉
Yeah wasn’t really sure definitely wanted to have something strong behind the LS2 and know with a stage 2 build on the TH350 works but wasn’t sure about the 7.5 I see people say they aren’t very good?
I’m curious can you elaborate by when you said set up in the correct application?
A street driver with street tires and a ring and pinion set up correctly will allow a 7.5 to live a long time without issue.
If you intend to go to the track and use a sticky tire at 400+ HP, then a 7.5 is time bomb.
If you intend to go to the track and use a sticky tire at 400+ HP, then a 7.5 is time bomb.
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