I had a 78 Malibu with an alum headed 468 (hence the s/n) but didn't have the time, money, knowledge or tools to finish/tune it right. I sold the rolling chassis, then later sold the motor. I built a couple trucks, parting one out now, and was looking for another Malibu.
I found a 79 close to me, pretty clean 2 door for being in NYS. I think it's a pretty rare care, factory 4-speed, black interior w/buckets, power windows, locks, a/c, sport mirrors, power sunroof (second one I've seen in a Malibu!!) tach dash. Owner put in a 327 and a posi but doesn't know the ratio. Other than a busted windshield it runs and drives and pass inspection.
I'm sure the 327 runs great, but I'm a big block guy. I have two engines, one 427 tall deck and a 454. I know the '54 will drop right in, but what about the tall deck?? I don't plan on going crazy with the motor, bump the compression, 268 cam, intake and maybe a set of headers if I can find a set that will clear the clutch linkage. Don't plan on running tall valve covers, just the stock alum. off a 95-ish motor. If I can use the 427 with no fitment issues, thinking of making a 454 long rod, so I could use a stock 454 crank and stock style 454 pistons, using the 6.5" long rods. Got a set of 049s to use as well. Compression about 10-1. Motor should be around 400 horse and 500 ft/lb of torque.
Also was reading up on transmission's, thought the Super T-10 was the way to go, but guess not. Muncie's are stupid money, is there another option out there that won't cost me my first born??
I found a 79 close to me, pretty clean 2 door for being in NYS. I think it's a pretty rare care, factory 4-speed, black interior w/buckets, power windows, locks, a/c, sport mirrors, power sunroof (second one I've seen in a Malibu!!) tach dash. Owner put in a 327 and a posi but doesn't know the ratio. Other than a busted windshield it runs and drives and pass inspection.
I'm sure the 327 runs great, but I'm a big block guy. I have two engines, one 427 tall deck and a 454. I know the '54 will drop right in, but what about the tall deck?? I don't plan on going crazy with the motor, bump the compression, 268 cam, intake and maybe a set of headers if I can find a set that will clear the clutch linkage. Don't plan on running tall valve covers, just the stock alum. off a 95-ish motor. If I can use the 427 with no fitment issues, thinking of making a 454 long rod, so I could use a stock 454 crank and stock style 454 pistons, using the 6.5" long rods. Got a set of 049s to use as well. Compression about 10-1. Motor should be around 400 horse and 500 ft/lb of torque.
Also was reading up on transmission's, thought the Super T-10 was the way to go, but guess not. Muncie's are stupid money, is there another option out there that won't cost me my first born??