Hi Everyone,

I recently got a 78 malibu, and in it isthe original305/TH350. I'm looking in to restoring it and making it in to a reliabledaily driver( as i drive it now). I'm looking to drop in an engine that puts out 350hp - 400hp. Would a 383 take city/highway driving on a daily basis? Gas is not much of a consern. I also hear that a 4 gear tranny is better on the highwaythan a 3 gear.

 

I'd drop a 350 in. You can get 350hp easy from a 350. If you go with a 383 stroker, you can do that but those are mostly classified as racing engines and getting a warranty on one is going to cost you. Put a 350 in. Get a 4 bolt main though, put a cam, headers, set of heads and a good 4bbl carb and swap in some 3.08s or 3.73 gears in the rear and you should be close to 350hp. I'd recommend getting a setup from Edelbrock, takes a lot of guess work out and you can call them and tell them EXACTLY what you are wanting. Also you could go with a 700R4 (has three forward gears + overdrive). Might want to check on the horse power rating if going over 350. I know a TH350 built right will take 500hp, not sure of a 700r4...or you can say the hell with it and get a "bullet proof" th400, no overdrive though. Sorry about the long post but also keep in mind that you'll break older parts too, so get the brakes done and replace the suspension and driveline parts.

 

Reliability in an engine is all in the bottom end. Crank Rods ect... The power is form the top like cam intake and carb. Make sure your bottom end is built strong enough for whatever cam and intake and exsaust system you put on it. Makesure your valves are assembled with the best parts. You need good springs and keepers. Are you going to have an engine built or order one complete? Defanitly go with the 700r4 Trans if your putting 3.73 or higher gears in it.