New wheels in the driveway

[clean8485]

Hello all. I had an opportunity to pick this up a couple of weeks ago. Its a 1980 Malibu 2 door that's a factory 305 4 barrel/4 speed car. I don't know the exact production numbers for 4 speed cars that year, but I'm told that it was 200 or less for Canada that year. The car has 145,000kms (approximately 90,000 miles) on it. Apparently it was never winter driven. The floors, frame and trunk all look to be in good shape. Its a running driving car, but there's a slight bottom end knock in the engine, and it needs some cosmetic work. I got the original bill of sale for the car as part of the deal, so there's some documentation for it.
Over the years, I've collected a bunch of spare parts for these cars, so I have most of the stuff here that I need to get it fixed up. I have a 350 here that needs assembly, and the 305 has recently had a Comp Cams cam installed, that should work well in the 350. I've driven the car, and it remends me of a late '70s Camaro or Firebird with a 4 speed.
Should be a fun ride. Looking forward to getting it fixed up and on the road.

 

[V8 Rumble]

Looks like you scored a great car there! Congrats!

 

[pontiacgp]

That is nice I didn't know they made 4 speed sticks in a 2 door. I thought the only sticks were in the Iraqi taxis.

 

[clean8485]

Thanks for the compliments. As far as I know, the manual transmission was available in the Malibu up until 1981. That's when the Iraqi Malibus were built.

 

[pontiacgp]

For that knock in the engine it may be a carbon knock. I had a knock in a 305 that sounded like a bearing but it ended up being a carbon knock. Got rid of it by slowly pouring water down the carb the steam clean the combustion chamber..

 

[Longroof79]

Hey Jeff,
Glad to see that you were able to post pics of your new ride. Hope you're able to store it in a nice dry environment.

It would be worth trying to decarbonize the engine before overhauling it as Steve suggested.

 

[O. D. Showtime]

Very cool Jeff!!...congrats man looks likes a nice one!

I'll be in touch later on regarding the PM you sent.

 

[403Olds]

Four speed looks like alot of fun!

 

[Judge Mills]

That is an awesome ride! I'm jealous of the 4 speed.

 

[clean8485]

Thanks again to everyone for the compliments. I'm looking forward to getting the car on the road. Steve, I think I might try your suggestion with the water. At this point, I don't have much to lose. Thanks for the idea.