1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 review from North America

Door handle liked to break.

This car has exceptional take-off. Handles very well. It also has a unique look. My Monte Carlo had an after market paint job, some of the colors from the factory were pretty ugly (green and sky blue).

The car was fun and easy to work on. I added a CB, a scanner, a Knight Rider light, a PA system, a siren, headlight flashers, strobe lights, neon (purple), A Pioneer AM/FM Stereo Cassette CD changer, a Dixie air horn, American Racing Rims at 15x10 in the rear with 295 50 15 Cooper Cobra Tires. The front setup was 15x7 with 225 75 15 Cobra's.

I swapped the motor for a 350 V8. I added the chrome valve covers, breather, oil pan and air filter housing. I put a Performer RPM intake manifold with a Holley 650 vacuum secondary. The choice for the smaller carb is because it came with a 2bbl factory and I did not want to redo heads, etc. on this motor.

The tailights for this year Monte Carlo are unique to that model year car only. The trunk lid is aluminum from the factory. I installed air shocks followed by the cab controlled air compressor and inflater from JC Whitney. The car has plenty of room for customization and relaxation. My Cadillac is the only car I have owned with more room.

Also of great interest to those who own this car or are thinking of purchasing one: The 1978 through 1986 Monte Carlo has the exact same suspension. In other words if you had a Z34 like mine it had the same as suspension as an 86 SS. You can swap any and all of these parts.