Motor swap?

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MommasMalibu

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Mar 18, 2019
13
20
3
My mother passed a couple years ago and left me her 1980 malibu. It currently has a V6 in it and needs a rear main seal. It sat for years and was rarely driven (the car has 62k miles). I planned on swapping the engine eventually and when I told my mechanic this he said it wouldnt be worth it to fix the rear main seal. Sooo what kind of engine do I put in it and where do I find a reasonably priced engine. I am in Kentucky. I am limited on money and mechanical knowledge, thanks in advance!
 

FluoFerret

Greasemonkey
Apr 2, 2018
184
243
43
Luxembourg
you can never go wrong with a chevy small block from the first generation. either a 305 or a 350 are a good fit, and the3y aren't expensive. it depends though of the V6 you have. is it a chevy too or a buick v6? depending on the actual engine, you might have to change the transmission too, since the bellhouse may not fit a chevy
 

Injectedcutty

G body LS mafia
Nov 24, 2014
6,057
22,807
113
Louisville, KY
Welcome from Louisville. What part of KY you in. Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, I've almost lost both my parents in the past couple years and it scared the hell out of me! The economical route would be a 350 crate motor, 650 carb, throw some headers on it to breathe. That's if you're dead set on replacing the v6. Do some research on here using the search button, you should find all the info you need.
I did my first swap at 19 years old and it wasn't that bad. Just take your time, it helps if you have some gearhead buddies. Ask questions if you can't find what you're looking for.
Oh yeah, we all like pics, so post up pics of that 'Bu when you get a chance.
 
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Kennybill

Master Mechanic
Mar 17, 2010
286
401
63
Braceville, Ohio
Summit Racing has crate small block Chevrolet engines at good prices. A complete core would be good for all the nick knacks, brackets, etc.
Sounds like you're best bet would be to store the car until your budget and knowledge/skills increase. Jmo
 
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MommasMalibu

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Mar 18, 2019
13
20
3
Summit Racing has crate small block Chevrolet engines at good prices. A complete core would be good for all the nick knacks, brackets, etc.
Sounds like you're best bet would be to store the car until your budget and knowledge/skills increase. Jmo
Thanks its currently in my garage
 

MommasMalibu

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Mar 18, 2019
13
20
3
Welcome from Louisville. What part of KY you in. Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, I've almost lost both my parents in the past couple years and it scared the hell out of me! The economical route would be a 350 crate motor, 650 carb, throw some headers on it to breathe. That's if you're dead set on replacing the v6. Do some research on here using the search button, you should find all the info you need.
I did my first swap at 19 years old and it wasn't that bad. Just take your time, it helps if you have some gearhead buddies. Ask questions if you can't find what you're looking for.
Oh yeah, we all like pics, so post up pics of that 'Bu when you get a chance.
Im in Lexington, I lost my father a couple months after, and yeah a 350 is what ive been leaning towards as well, thanks for the reply!
 
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MommasMalibu

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Mar 18, 2019
13
20
3
you can never go wrong with a chevy small block from the first generation. either a 305 or a 350 are a good fit, and the3y aren't expensive. it depends though of the V6 you have. is it a chevy too or a buick v6? depending on the actual engine, you might have to change the transmission too, since the bellhouse may not fit a chevy
It has the chevy transmission, 95 percent sure
 

MommasMalibu

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Mar 18, 2019
13
20
3
My mother passed a couple years ago and left me her 1980 malibu. It currently has a V6 in it and needs a rear main seal. It sat for years and was rarely driven (the car has 62k miles). I planned on swapping the engine eventually and when I told my mechanic this he said it wouldnt be worth it to fix the rear main seal. Sooo what kind of engine do I put in it and where do I find a reasonably priced engine. I am in Kentucky. I am limited on money and mechanical knowledge, thanks in advance!
 

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blk7gxn

Royal Smart Person
Feb 7, 2019
1,390
1,886
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So sorry for your loss :( . Its nice to see you will be taking care of the Malibu! Personally i would take the small block Chevy route that some have mentioned here. VERY inexpensive with few modifications if you already have the Chevy 229 V6 in it.
 
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565bbchevy

Geezer
Aug 8, 2011
9,591
12,612
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Michigan
It has the chevy transmission, 95 percent sure
If it has a Buick V6 the distributor should be on the front, the Chevy V6 will be in the rear.
 
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