v8 or 6cyl?

Question

i am going to redo a 1965 malibu has org. 230 6 cyl and 3 on the tree thinking about changing to a 427 4spd. would this be foolish or should i restore to stock car is a 2 door post body

Answer 1

If the car origninally had a V6 with manual tranny, restore it the same. Don't change the original equipment.

Answer 2

You could keep the 6cyl, and dont do any mods that would stop you from being able to return it to stock. That way you could have your power and resale in the future still. Good luck. I would bet the 427 doesnt weigh much more than the 6 cyl, a small block is 50lbs lighter than the 6cyl! That would be a very fun car to drive! It would be cool if you could make it a 4 on the tree. There arent many people out there that can actualy drive a colum shift. Good luck.

Answer 3

If your going to do a retro rod try a LS-2 drive train aluminum engine will even be lighter than the stove bolt six. Six speed Manual Tremec transmission Baer Brakes all the way around and tires that handle big sway bars,racing seats 3piece BBS Wheels and set it low. Besides there are a lot of SS-396 pretenders be differentmodern. Stock 400 ft lbs and 400hp not bad and passes smog testing. Find a wrecked SSR or GTO,Cadilac CTSV and get all wheel drive too.

Answer 4

Most collectors would prefer a stock restoration. I think these are awesome cars. From what my Chevy buds tell me the conversion to V-8 should go smoothly with these cars. If you go V-8 though a small block might be a better choice. You can get plenty of power out of a 327, and a little better gas mileage.
It's up to you, it's your car.
Make yourself happy, you deserve it :-)

Answer 5

the 65 malibu is light enough to hold a 283 & give it good power at the same time. The thing about switching from the 6 to the v-8 is motor mounts.

Answer 6

Considering that a 2dr post is not really a highly sought after (collectible) car, I would go with your 427 plan, personally.

If it were a 2dr SS or convertible, restoring to original would be the way to go in my opinion.

Good luck either way. Hope it turns out well.

Answer 7

let me tell you back from my experience,, I had a V8 engine and a 350 HP in my Car,, it was so powerful I never kept behind, but it's really bullshit, I never really needed that power and I've spent so much money on fuel,, so I recommend you to get the 6cyl and enjoy both the power and fuel economy, believe me you will never REALLY need more power than what the 6cyl will provide you. Drive safe ; )

Answer 8

I would not go above the 350 small block (mine gets 15mpg and 300 hp). I researched changing my 3 speed to a 4 speed and it invoves doing bodywork inside the cabin to make it fit - this could be very difficult, but it is your choice

Answer 9

in 6 cylinder form it just a parts car or a hot rod in waiting. big block is the best way to go. collectors don't care if the 6 cylinder cars have been changed to v8. if you planning on selling it some day you will get more for it with the big block. + you can eat import cars alive with the big block

Answer 10

I would leave it the way it came. If you sit on it, it will be worth alot some day. There were lots of 6 cyl ones built, but not so many of them left.