Steve's LS Swap Malibu
Steve showed up with a 1981 Malibu that would not run right. We took over the tune and the suspension, and the same car that was stuck in the mid 6s now runs 5.60s with more left in it. Nothing exotic under the hood, just a basic combination set up properly.
About The Build
This is a real budget build. The block and heads are stock, the shocks bolt into the factory locations, and the car still has its radio, electric windows and rear seat. The parts list below is the whole recipe. There is nothing hidden.
What changed was the setup. The Holley tune and the suspension were the problem, not the parts, and once both were sorted the car picked up close to a second. A simple combination that is dialed in will outrun a lot of cars with far more money in them.
The Combo
- Stock block, stock heads
- Stock forged LS crank, 403 ci
- K1 Technologies 6.125 rods
- JE Ultra 4.005 pistons
- Split Holley intake
- Induction Solutions dry nitrous
- Powerglide with PTC converter
- 9 inch rear end, 4.30 gears
- Viking shocks, four corners, stock location
- Holley EFI, engine and suspension tuned by Billet Pro Shop
Need Help Planning Your Build?
Contact us for consulting on your build. Whether you are sorting out parts selection, overall combo direction, or solving packaging and performance challenges, we can help guide the process.