'80 Malibu, 454 4speed install, ask away!

[jere7260]

Hi all! Just finished my 454 4spd Malibu project, and I notice that there is not a whole lot of threads or info out there covering the pair in our cars. Quite a lot for the BBC and 4speed alone, but not the combo. I plan to start a build thread to outline the work done already to the vehicle, but any questions regarding BBC or 4spd swaps are welcome. Not an expert by any means, Just looking to help!

I'm also all ears for suggestions. Let me know the mods and upgrades that you have done to your gbody that you believe are must-dos or have given you the best bang for your buck.



Thanks all!

 

[Bonnewagon]

Sounds like a killer combo. I see you used an M20. What is the first gear ratio, and what rear gear ratio are you using? A buddy is considering buying an M20 from his boss, but he is concerned with the ratios and what he would need out back to make it street-able.

 

[jere7260]

Sounds like a killer combo. I see you used an M20. What is the first gear ratio, and what rear gear ratio are you using? A buddy is considering buying an M20 from his boss, but he is concerned with the ratios and what he would need out back to make it street-able.

It's a box out of a 67 Chevelle SS, so it's got the factory 2.52 first gear. When the car was just a small block I was running 4.11s in the rear, but that was way too much for a street car, expecially with the BBC in mind. I swapped it out for a Yukon duragrip and 3.42s. I'll be honest, they are a little low for the combination and, admittedly, a 3.73 would wake it up much more, but I am also doing a decent amount of hwy driving during summer months so it made the most sense.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Thanks for the honesty. My buddy has 3:73's already and hates them just for the reason you gave. He has a 1977 Trans Am and the Pontiac 400 does NOT like wailing along in the slow lane with the flashers on because he can't keep up with parkway traffic. He originally had 3:23's, which I begged him to keep. Or at least don't go past 3:42's. But he didn't listen. I agree the 3:73's would work best if he got the M20, but he would still be limited to local street driving.