I have wanted an older wagon for a long time, then this one popped up a few miles from home. Im excited about getting this one ready as my daily. Previous owner tossed in a warmed up 400 and 700r4. I think my first project will be pulling that and replacing it with something a smaller, maybe a 230 or 250. Well see. Steve
Thanks. Its gonna be a daily driver. I want good(or at least better) milage as well as reliability from a motor that is still pretty common parts-wise. Plus i have my 442 with a big block, so this is different. Still not completely dead set on the idea yet, but am currently looking into what is required. Steve
Just what all needs to be done. Motor mounts, finding brackets, any wiring, possible change in driveshaft length etc. I've searched through several forums on the idea(admittedly, most were going the other way), and these were some common trends. If it turns out to be too much, I may just stick with a small block. Steve
Welcome Steve from another 66 Malibu Wagon owner. http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/threads/66-longroof-project.29015/ Yours looks similar but a little nicer than the one I started with. Similar satin finish and older Chevy hubcaps with trim rings. Always liked the looks of a 66. Have fun with your project, it should make a great ride.
Welcome aboard, Steve! The engine in your car is a "small block Chevrolet" (SBC) 400. Switching to any other displacement SBC will be easy. Driveshaft changes would only be required if you make a transmission swap. I'd drive it as it is for a while. You might be happy with it as it is. Also, before swapping the engine, check all the casting numbers, date codes and engine suffix information. You might find that it isn't a 400 block. Wouldn't be the first time....
Thanks for the info. Im aware the chevy 400 is a small block, but as i have only ever owned oldses, I'm just not all that familiar with chevy motors. I have heard that the siamesed cylinders can cause issues, but that may just be nonsense that I picked up over time. After looking into it a bit though, I think I will take your advice and stick with the 400 for a bit and see how it goes. Just gotta lose the edelbrock and put a q-jet back on, and do a bit better job of messaging the headers that were previously installed. Steve
Love the ride! The 700R4 should help with the mileage as long as you can keep your foot out of it. I had a 66 Chevelle with a 230 Cu.in. I added a GM HEI from a later 250, and traded the 3 speed stick for TH 350. I think the weight of the wagon would make a 230 or 250 really sluggish. Keep the 400 for a while and see how your MPG's are! Bob
If you need MPG for a long commute pick up an econo box 4 banger to beat on.. but leave the 400 right where it's at
Being a car guy I like all makes and models. I am Mopar at heart, but love everything. With that said, I do like your wagon, very cool. And it also reminded me of a wagon I worked on when I got out of high school and worked for a Chevy dealer in the used car detailing shop. A guy traded in a 1968 Chevelle, 2 door wagon, buckets seats, and a 396 4 speed.........from the factory!!! I was told he special ordered it. I drove it and would have loved to own it but it was bought the next day.
