1978 Chevrolet Malibu

1978 Chevrolet Malibu Restomod 6-Speed LS-Powered Pro Touring Beast This isn't your grandfather's Malibu. Professionally built with performance, precision, and presentation in mind, this 1978 Chevrolet Malibu Restomod delivers modern muscle car power wrapped in a refined, head-turning vintage package. From its meticulously reinforced chassis to the fire-breathing LS drivetrain, this one-of-a-kind pro touring build is equally at home on the street, the strip, or the show circuit. Performance and Powertrain Under the satin gunmetal hood sits a fire-breathing 6.0L iron block LS with the right supporting mods for performance and reliability. It's equipped with 243 heads, ARP hardware throughout, and a custom Bullet Racing cam (223/238 .600/.615 110 LSA) that gives this Malibu a vicious idle and strong midrange punch. Feeding the beast is a Holley 4150 throttle body, Edelbrock single plane intake, and 36lb flex fuel injectors, all managed by a Holley Terminator X ECU. Exhaust flows through 1 7/8'' stainless long tube headers, a 3-inch mandrel-bent X-pipe, and Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers-giving the car a deep, menacing growl that announces its presence with authority. Backing the power is a stout 2011 Camaro TR6060 6-speed manual transmission mated to an IS7 clutch and a 3.5'' Action Machine aluminum driveshaft. Shifts are quick and precise thanks to a Core short-throw shifter, making this car an absolute blast to row through the gears. Chassis & Suspension No corner was cut in the undercarriage. The fully boxed and re-welded frame features mini-tubs, braced suspension points, and a smoothed front section for aesthetics and strength. Suspension is dialed-in with Southside Machine adjustable control arms, Viking double adjustable coilovers, and a factory 8.5'' rear with a clutch-style posi, 28-spline axles, and aluminum girdle cover. Up front, you'll find tubular upper control arms with tall ball joints, Belltech 2'' drop spindles, boxed lower arms, and C5 Z06 front brakes, complemented by F-body rear disc brakes. The 12:1 steering box, Jeep steering shaft, and all-new steering components with polyurethane bushings give this car razor-sharp response and control. Wheels & Tires Rolling on classic American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels, this Malibu boasts a perfect stance and grip: Front: 17x7 with 225/45R17 Nitto NT555 G2 tires Rear: Custom 17x11 with massive 315/35R17 Nitto NT555 G2 tires Body & Exterior The body is laser-straight and finished in a 3M satin gunmetal wrap with a satin black roof wrap, all over color-matched jams and a painted engine bay. Custom touches include: Hand-built fiberglass front and rear bumpers 4'' Harwood fiberglass cowl hood Brand-new 1981 front-end trim with custom Malibu badging Custom inner fender wells Fully undercoated underside Polished original stainless trim New gas tank with Holley 340 pump and -6AN braided lines Brand new brake system from lines to master and slave cylinders Interior & Electronics Step inside and you're greeted by a completely reimagined cabin: Custom-designed dashboard with a 7'' Holley digital display Vintage Air heat and A/C Custom upholstered front bench seat with matching rears Custom center console with marine radio and USB ports 5-speaker sound system with 10'' subwoofer Custom LED interior lighting Show-finished trunk with relocated Optima battery New carpet, custom headliner, and Grand National-style steering wheel Highlights 6.0L LS with performance cam and Holley management TR6060 6-speed manual with upgraded clutch and driveshaft Mini-tubbed, boxed, braced, and reinforced chassis Viking coilovers, tubular control arms, and Z06 brakes Fully wrapped and custom-trimmed body with fiberglass bumpers Holley digital dash, Vintage Air, and custom interior Show-quality execution from the engine bay to the trunk This 1978 Malibu is not just a restomod-it's a professionally engineered statement piece. It merges classic lines