1979 Malibu LQ9 swap

[1fast70]

Great news.....Rob's car that has been dead in my garage for about two years, is going to begin it's transformation. ;D This super clean Malibu came with a wheezing 327, leaky TH-350. The previous owner did however install a nice 12-bolt rear end with 3.73 gears and a posi. The paint and interior look super clean.

The budget on this car has been toned down a bit from my recent discussions with Al and company to get it on the road ASAP. A 2005 LQ9 Escalade engine with apx 50,000 miles on it was purchased today to get things started.........................

I will update this thread as parts are purchased, and work begins on the car. Comments and suggestions are welcome!

[CHRIS]

That is a nice car.

[1fast70]

Jan 24, 2011 17:18:39 GMT -5 CHRIS said:

That is a nice car.

Thanks!!!!!!! I think an LSx swap will definitely do this car justice! ;D ;D ;D

[Alan]

Sickness man, pure sickness. Every time I came over and seen that thing sitting in the corner I wanted to break in and steal it. It will be nice to see it tearing ass around Great Bend. He'll enjoy it very much so, especially since unlike the Ranger he can cruise in this one without issue. I'm stoked

[Jake]

Nice looking car, going to be bad ass with an lq9. Any plans on heads/cam/intake or going in stock?

[bigworm]

Nice car. Go with a 6.2. ;D

[John]

Lose the chrome trim around the fenders and I'll steal it ;D LOL

[1fast70]

Jan 24, 2011 18:04:35 GMT -5 Jake said:

Nice looking car, going to be bad ass with an lq9. Any plans on heads/cam/intake or going in stock?

For now we are planning on a cam/spring upgrade and that's about it. It will be going carbureted as well. I am still researching what the best parts combo is as far as engine fitment. Unlike my Chevelle, Edelbrock doesn't have their G-body swap headers on the market yet. Therefore I have headers, oil pan, and engine mounts to research for the best fit.

We are going with this trick G-body crossmember to solve exhaust routing issues that plague these cars with the stock crossmember: cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/G-Body-Malibu-Lightweight-Crossmember-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2c5a3305b8QQitemZ190491854264QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[1fast70]

Jan 24, 2011 22:10:08 GMT -5 John said:

Lose the chrome trim around the fenders and I'll steal it ;D LOL

Yeah, I wish that trim wasn't there either. Someday those may go away!!!!!!!!!

[1fast70]

I picked the engine up today from Rich's. Spalding Auto Parts did a nice job as usual, and the engine looks to be in great condition. Next on the list of parts coming are headers, intake, MSD 6010 ignition, and an oil pan. Here are some pics:

[Jake]

Thats a clean looking engine, should be an awsome power plant for that car..

[John]

MSD ignition? So ya'll are going carburated on this one as well? What intake/carb setup on this one?

[John]

Updates?

[1fast70]

Not yet unfortunately......

[flashlcd33]

This.car.is.awesome.