Malibu FAQ's
This area is to address some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 78-83 Malibu. It will also be the area where Malibu Tech (how-to) articles will be accessed. I will be continually adding to this as I receive more commonly asked questions. If you feel there is something that you would like to see here, drop me a line and give me your suggestion. Contributions to this page are ALWAYS welcome! The more people that contribute, the more knowledge there is to share.
FAQ's
What engines were available in the 78-83 Malibu?
What transmission were available in the 78-83 Malibu?
Which transmission is in my Malibu?
Where can I find option codes for the 78-83 Malibu?
What type of rearend does the 78-83 Malibu have?
How can I tell the difference between a 7.5" and 8.5" 10 bolt rearend?
Which rearends can be swapped into the 78-83 Malibu?
How big of a tire can I fit on my Malibu?
What does it take to put a big block Chevy engine in my Malibu?
How do I modify my crossmember for dual exhaust on my Malibu?
What Transmissions will fit in my Malibu?
How do I convert my Malibu to manual tranny?
How do I convert my Malibu to manual steering?
How do I convert my Malibu to manual brakes?
How do I convert my Malibu from V6 to a V8?
How do I install larger 12" front disc brakes on my Malibu?
What are the first basic mods I need to do to get my Malibu to "hook up"?
How do I know what size ujoint I have (1310, 1330 or 1350 series)?
What engines were available in the 78-83 Malibu?
Here is a list of engine codes listed for the 78-83 Malibu. I'm not totally sure that ALL were actually available each year, but they are listed as an option code for each year:
Year Model Available Engines
78 200 V6 (95 HP), 231 (3.8L) V6 (105 HP), 305 V8 (140 HP), 350 V8 (165 HP)
79 200 V6 (95 HP), 231 (3.8L) V6 (105 HP), 267 V8 (125 HP), 305 V8 (140 HP), 350 V8 (165 HP)
80 229 V6 (110 HP), 231 (3.8L) V6 (105 HP), 267 V8 (115 HP), 305 V8 (140 HP), 350 V8 (170 HP)
81 229 V6 (110 HP), 231 (3.8L) V6 (105 HP), 267 V8 (115 HP), 305 V8 (140 HP), 350 V8 (170 HP)
82 229 V6 (110 HP), 231 (3.8L) V6 (105 HP), 4.3L V6 Diesel (85 HP), 305 V8, 350 V8 Diesel (105 HP)
83 229 V6 (110 HP), 231 (3.8L) V6 (105 HP), 4.3L V6 Diesel (85 HP), 305 V8, 350 V8 Diesel (105 HP)
What transmission were available in the 78-83 Malibu?
There was a large assortment of transmissions available in the 78-83 Malibu models. I'm not sure if all below were available, but all were listed in the option codes for these years. These included the following with the option code listed:
M15 - 3 spd standard transmission
M20 - 4 spd standard transmission (Muncie)
M21 - 4 spd close ratio (Muncie)
M38 - Turbo 350 automatic transmission
MM3 - 3 spd standard transmission.
MM4 - 4 spd standard transmission.
MX1 - automatic transmission (metric or TH250?)
Where can I find option codes for the 78-83 Malibu?
If you are luck enough to find the build sheet on your Malibu, you can go to the Canadian Classic Chevelle & Beaumonts Page. It is an EXCELLENT source of all the option codes listed by year model.
What type of rearend does the 78-83 Malibu have?
The factory rearend in all Malibu's is a 10 bolt with a 7.5" ring gear. This is the weakest rearend GM has produced, to my knowledge. They have 26 spline axles and small spider gears that are prone to breakage if moderate amounts of power are applied to them. Most come with very tall "highway" type gears for good fuel economy. Most came in the 2.41-2.73 range. To see a list of what was available, go to the Rear Axle Code Page to see a breakdown of available gear ratios, Posi ID, etc. for the stock 7.5" rearend and also the more desirable 8.5" rearend that came in the Buick GN turbo Regal and the Olds 442.
Which rearends can be swapped into the 78-83 Malibu?
The stock 78-88 A/G body rearend housing (housing flange to housing flange) is 52.125". Here is a list of other common rearend dimensions:
Body Style Housing Width
64-67 Chevelle 54.250"
68-72 Chevelle 55.250"
67-69 Camaro 54.250"
62-67 Chevy II 52.125"
70-81 Camaro 55.375"
82-92 Camaro 55.750"
93-up Camaro 59.250"
68-76 Nova 54.250"
78-88 A/G Body 52.125"
Information from Chevy High Performance Magazine 3/2001
Below is a list of common Ford 9" housing widths. NOTE the widths listed below is for AXLE FLANGE TO AXLE FLANGE not housing flange like above!!!
Body Style Housing Width
64-71 Ford (full sized car) 61.0"
67-70 Mustang 59.0"
79-81 Lincoln Versallies 58.5"
79-81 Granada 58.5"
Obviously, some of those are not good swap candidates for a 78-88 A/G body. The 64-72 Chevelle is a good candidate because South Side Machine offers a kit to adapt these rearends to the 78-88 A/G body cars. You will have to use wheels with additional backspacing to compensate for the wider housing. For more swap info, go to the Rearend Swap Tech Page to see your alternatives to replacing the factory rearend in your Malibu.
Fann þetta fyrir þig:
How big of a tire can I fit on my Malibu?
Probably THE most asked question! This isn't necessarily something set in stone, because you can tweak things to run a pretty big tire. Some people are interested in drag racing, some want the biggest wheel diameter with ultra low profile tires. Since this is primarily a drag racing site, I'll say that a 275/60/15 is the largest rear street tire you can run and a 28x10.50 is the largest slick. I found that the McCreary L60-15 fit nicely. These should be used with 15x8" wheel and 3.5" backspacing. I have been told by a few people that they are running 295/50/15 tires without problems. The largest front tire would probably be a 235/60/15 with 3.5" backspacing. My Father runs 245/60/15's on the front and it rubs at full turn. There are MANY other combos using 16" or larger wheels. I have not tried them, since I am more of a dragracing fan. To see a compilation of what some people are successfully running on their 78-88 G-body cars, go to the G-body Tire/Wheel Fitment link.
