1981 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC SITE
SUCCESSFUL
HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINE/DRIVELINE COMBINATIONS
that have been proven at the track or on the dyno. I think this
information could be invaluable to other enthusiasts who are researching
a new set-up or are experimenting with an existing one. If you know of a
particular combination of parts that fits this criteria please e-mail me at
rmchevelle@aol.com with as many of the specs
as possible, (size of engine, small or big block, overbore, compression ratio, all camshaft specs, valvetrain, rocker ratio, intake, carburetor, ignition, headers and exhaust, also include trans and converter, rear end, gears, etc.). Most importantly let us know what your elapsed time or dynoed horsepower rating is. Feel free to include any other tips that have proven themselves in your combination. I will post them here.
Thanks, in advance to all who submit their combinations. You may also go to my input page to submit your combination and it's performance along with any comments.
FYI: Team Chevelle has an awesome website which includes a section on performance combinations. Some of the submissions do not include track or dyno data, though.
I would like ALL the combos I post on this page to
include REAL track and/or dyno numbers.
Vehicle #1: '78 Malibu
Engine: stock Turbocharged/Intercooled Buick Grand National 231, factory cast pistons, ported stock cylinder heads with
1.77 intake and 1.50 exhaust valves, ported stock intake manifold, SFI fuel injection, Applied Technologies camshaft with .515 lift intake/.504 lift exhaust and 276 intake/272 exhaust advertised duration, distributorless ignition
Driveline:
Transmission: 200-4R, 9.5" 3200 stall Precision Industries torque converter
Rear End: Grand National 8.5", 3.42 gear ratio
Performance: Best E.T. to date 6.62 @ 106 MPH 1/8 mile
NOTES: This combination was submitted by Vernon, here are his comments: "It's the best of both worlds, economy and performance. Done without nitrous!!!"
I say with the success of "crate" motors its a wonder that GM hasn't "crated" this motor package yet. They'd sell a zillion of them!!! Tremendous combo Vernon!
Vehicle #2: 1979 Malibu
Engine: 350, stock bore, forged pistons, 9.5:1 comp. ratio, the legendary Chevrolet fuelie (camel hump) cylinder heads with 1.94 intake and 1.60 exhaust valves, the camshaft is hydraulic with .480 lift and 278 deg. duration installed 3 deg. advanced on a 109 deg. centerline, Crane 1.5 roller tip rockers, Holley Contender intake manifold, Holley 650 double pumper carb, Mallory Unilite distributor with an MSD 6AL and Dial Adjust Two Step rev limiter that is switched off the line lock
Driveline:
Transmission - Borg Warner Super T-10
Rear End - 9" Ford, 4.11 gear ratio
Performance - 12.98 @ 106 MPH 1/4 mile
NOTES: This combination was submitted by Ralph Blackburn, here are his comments: "This combo has 30 or so passes on it. It is very streetable. The car is run with M&H street tires and launched between 4800 to 5500 rpm."
Nice combo Ralph!
Vehicle #3: '81 Malibu
Engine: 350 +.030, #010 block, stock crank, stock rods, ARP bolts, Keith Black hypereutectic pistons, 10.3:1 comp. ratio, Chevrolet Vortec cylinder heads, Competition Cams Magnum series camshaft (292 degrees i/e advertised duration and .501 lift i/e), Edelbrock Super Victor (Vortec) intake manifold, Holley 650 double pumper carb, Mallory distributor
Driveline: Turbo-Hydro 350, 8" 3500 stall converter
Rear End: 9" Ford, 4.56 gears
Slicks: 29x9 Mickey Thompson
Best E.T. to date: 7.74 @ ??? MPH 1/8 mile
NOTES: This combination was e-mailed to me by "Reallyfast81". Here are the comments, "...turned out better than I thought it would, this combo has been great so far, it has 12 runs on it...no tuning. Coming soon is an 8 gal. cell with 1/2" fuel line, Mallory 140 fuel pump. Just had a 6pt. rollbar installed w/RCI seats and harness."
UPDATE: 9/21/00
"...have been tuning a little. The new best time is 7.61 @ 89.64 MPH, with 1.63 60'. I believe that the car has more to give. Anbd this is on PUMP GAS."
Congratulations Mike!
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