Might be interested in this build.. running a LML/T56 using a custom SMF from SBC
www.duramaxdiesels.com
I really haven’t gotten much done with it lately. I’ve taken she me pictures, but the only real thing Ive gotten done in the last 3 years is get the floor cut out, and now need to start prepping to get the new floor pan in. I’ve just been busy with working on customer equipment, farming, and three kids. Then the second half of last year I screwed my back/hip up, so didn’t get diddly squat done then… Hopefully I’ll get some time to work on it this summer…
While that is a distinct possibility, it’s also certainly not a cheap one either. Doing a search the tr6060 he is using is $1500+ and most likely 2500+ by the time it’s rebuilt (im not putting an unknown transmission in without checking it out). Then his custom clutch and flywheel is probably in the area of $2000-2500 or more im guessing. I can build a very stout 4l80e for 4-5k.
I have had the engine sitting between the frame rails bolted down, and it’s tight, but doable. I can’t use a stock hood, or even a normal cowl hood because of the width. I’m going to have to take a page out of rktpwrd’s book and build a cowl hood, but I’m not sure if I have the skills to do that. The wiring will be the easy part 😂
Your ride being a Malibu, the best bet would be to find an early 80's Chev El Camino or the GM Sprint counterpart. because they could be had with a manual long after the coupes had the option deleted off the order sheet. After that, GM did make something called the "Iragi Taxi" aka the 'Saudi Chevvy, which was a four door Malibu that was made with a three speed on the floor and had the third pedal, the correct bellhousing, the linkage, and the other various bits and pieces. By now most of them have either been recycled or lay in various salvage yards across the country. They were built for a contract with a middle east buyer but the contract supposedly failed when a dispute arose over what the payment was to be made in; the US wanted dollars and the buyer wanted shekels or drachmas or ?????. No exchange wanted to broker the deal cause the currency preferred by the buyer had no value outside the country in which they resided. Sound familiar? Anyhoo. Maybe try phoning around the more obscure local yards to see if they have a hulk or two of them laying around. Ya just never know.
Everyone (thankfully) talked me out of that idea long ago. My wagon is a factory 4 speed car so I just left it alone. Well…..mostly
Sorry took so long to get pictures.
