1981 Chevrolet Malibu 2dr coupe from North America - Comments

I had to replace the 3.8L engine because of the rings wore down creating quite a bit of smoke.

5 days after replacing the engine with another 3.8 that I got from a relative, that engine threw a rod bearing and the replaced transmission started slipping.

I replaced the door hinges since they are bigger doors.

I put an antenna in since the built in the windshield ones don't work very well.

There is some rusting, but in Wisconsin that's to be expected with our winters.

The interior plastics have faded some and the headliner does sag.

But what would we expect after 23 years.

They don't build quality cars like this anymore.

There is more than enough room inside the car, in the trunk and under the hood all within a car that isn't too large.

Although not the most stylish, the bench seats in my

alibu are incredibly soft.

With only 59,000 miles mine still handles like a sports car.

I just bought an 81 Malibu with a 3.8 v6 that I plan on putting a v8 in... did the 81 malibus come with the th-350 tranny or the th-200?

Depends on if you have overdrive... that would be the th2004r. anything else would be th350.