What engine came in 1979 Malibu?
The 1979 Malibu typically used a 350 cubic inch V8 (5.7 liters) as the standard engine, with an optional 305 cubic inch V8 (5.0 liters) available for buyers seeking lower cost and better fuel economy.
In the late 1970s, the Malibu — Chevrolet’s mid-size Chevelle-derived model — offered a straightforward V8 lineup designed to balance performance with tightening emissions rules. This article outlines the main engine options for the 1979 Malibu and how they fit into the era’s market expectations.
Engine options for the 1979 Malibu
The following list highlights the primary V8 engines Chevrolet offered for the 1979 Malibu. It focuses on capacity and the typical role of each engine in the lineup.
- 5.7 L V8 — 350 cubic inches (5.7 liters): the most common engine for Malibu models, delivering solid performance for daily driving and highway cruising.
- 5.0 L V8 — 305 cubic inches (5.0 liters): a smaller V8 option aimed at reducing initial cost and improving fuel economy.
In practice, many Malibus from this year paired with automatic transmissions, and the 5.7 L engine served as the default choice for mid-range and higher-trim configurations, while the 5.0 L offered a more economical alternative.
Context: transmissions and market conditions
During this period, Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmissions were the standard pairing with these V8 engines. Manual transmissions were available but far less common on Malibu models in the late 1970s, reflecting broader industry trends toward automatics in mid-size American cars.
Additional context and historical notes
Model-year specifics, trim levels, and regional availability could affect which engines customers found at Chevrolet dealerships in 1979. Emissions rules and rating conventions of the era also influenced horsepower figures and tuning, meaning published power outputs were often lower than in the pre-emissions era.
Summary
For the 1979 Malibu, the primary engine options were the 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 and the 305 cu in (5.0 L) V8. The 5.7 L was the standard, more performance-oriented choice, while the 5.0 L provided a more economical alternative without sacrificing everyday usability.
What year Malibu to stay away from?
You should stay away from the 1998-2003 fifth-generation Chevrolet Malibus and the 2014 model due to a high number of reliability issues, including cooling system leaks, electrical problems, and transmission issues. Other models to be cautious of are the 2010-2016 models, which are frequently cited for transmission problems like hard shifting and hesitation, and the 2016-2017 models with 1.5L engines due to performance issues.
Models to avoid
- 1998-2003 (Fifth generation): This generation is frequently mentioned for its high number of complaints, especially related to the cooling system, but also has issues with the electrical system, immobilizer, steering, and suspension.
- 2014: This model year received "Much Worse" reliability scores across the board from Consumer Reports.
- 2010-2016: Many owners report transmission problems, such as hard shifting, hesitation, and slipping, often linked to a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM) or other internal issues.
- 2016-2017 (1.5L engine): These models experienced sluggish performance and hesitation, which was often caused by a displaced high-pressure fuel pump rollover pin.
Other years and issues to note
- 2004-2005: These models had similar problems to the earlier fifth generation, though 2006 and 2007 showed improvements.
- 2008: While better than previous years, this redesign still received average or below-average reliability ratings.
- 2016-2019: These models can experience water leaks from a loose third brake light, leading to headliner stains and trunk water.
- 2022-2023: These years have been subject to recalls for a structural issue with the front impact bar not being properly welded.
What engines did the 1979 Malibu offer?
Engine Options
- 3.3L (200ci) V6 95hp (base 2 bbl carb)
- 3.8L (231ci) V6 105hp (2 bbl carb)
- 4.4L (267ci) V8 125hp (2 bbl carb)
- 5.0L (305ci) V8 140hp (4 bbl carb)
- 5.7L (350ci) V8 165hp (4 bbl carb)
How many 1979 Malibu were made?
Engines
| Coupe | Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | 117,241 | 147,393 |
| 1979 | 127,812 | 163,896 |
| 1980 | 66,192 | 145,634 |
| 1981 | 34,711 | 141,551 |
How much horsepower does a 1979 454 have?
In 1979, a factory Chevrolet 454 engine typically produced around 230 horsepower. This figure varied by application, but the decline in horsepower compared to earlier versions was due to stricter emissions standards of the era, which led to a detuned engine designed for torque rather than high-revving horsepower, making it well-suited for heavy-duty tasks like trucks and motorhomes.
- Horsepower: Approximately 230230230 hp.
- Torque: Around 360−380360 minus 380360−380 lb-ft, ideal for towing and hauling.
- Reason for lower horsepower: The engine was detuned to meet emissions regulations, resulting in reduced horsepower compared to late 1960s versions.
- Typical applications: Found in heavy-duty applications such as C20/C30 trucks, Suburbans, and motorhomes.
