Sometimes, the most unconventional idea is the best one. In this case, it’s to convert a Chevrolet Malibu wagon into a nitrous-fueled drag car capable of running a 1/4 mile in 9 seconds flat. However, it may not be such an unusual idea, especially since from an engineering perspective, the wagon body makes an awful lot of sense. This particular 1983 Malibu listed here on craigslist features a 383 V8 with a Dart block, 12.5:1 compression, aluminum cylinder heads, and much, much more. The asking price is $13,500.
First of all, this is just a great looking wagon. I’m not sure how street-friendly it is, but it certainly looks like the kind of vehicle you can drive to the track and drive back home. However, those of you who have actually drag raced may look at the list of modifications and decide it’s simply too robust for the road. The fat slicks in the back are certainly a limiting factor, but you can swap those out – and it may be worth the effort versus investing in a dedicated trailer. The seller notes it sports a 9-inch rear end, Moser axles, and 28 X 10.5 rear wheels.
In addition to the nitrous system, the 383 features several other upgrades, including a Magna fuel system, an aluminum radiator, an electric cooling fan, and a transbrake. The seller doesn’t tell us what numbers it hits when the nitrous isn’t being used, but it’s likely a quick car regardless. The build certainly looks well done with no obvious half-baked work. I’m sure there are numerous other upgrades and improvements made to this wagon that aren’t included in the listing, as that’s usually the way it goes with builds like these.
The interior certainly looks comfortable enough to drive to the track in, and the 6-point roll cage will keep you safe if the worst happens. The seller notes he started with a rust-free Arkansas body, which is perhaps the most desirable feature of all. Other bodywork includes mini-tubbed rear wheel wells. The lightweight G-Body frame and long wheelbase are ideal for a drag wagon build, and the cavernous engine bay leaves plenty of room for future improvements. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the tip.
Not only does this car have enough room to stow its race treads in the back while driving to the strip, it is probably strong enough to tow itself there!!!
…sorry…got too close to the nitrous oxide for a moment…haha
Back in the early days of nitrous kits, the bottles were filled with medical grade nitrous oxide. Due to people sniffing it, they added a skunk like smell to discourage that behaviour.
This is a race car, not a street car or street strip car. If it is or can be registered, it might be used for short trips to a local show or driven to the track (if the track was within a couple of miles), other than that it will be trailered. The seller never once makes a suggestion about street driving for a reason.
It’s not clear if this is used for brackets or grudge racing.
The price seems reasonable for a track only car. Their prices have no relation to a street car, though you often see flippers that have no clue about pricing dynamics buy a race car, then jack the price to the levels seen for a street car.
Steve R
The seller has this wagon listed as a drag car. He doesn’t appear to be trying to fool anybody. If someone wants to convert it to a hot street/strip car, that’s up to them.
Gear heading at its best! Nice design, neat and competent package, fun proect. Good luck!
Heads up with the Mercury from yesterday.
I like it!
Motor ought to be worth the asking price. Little lower compression, ditch the nitrious and you’d still have a street monster. Don’t know what kind of rear ratio it has, but would be fun stop light hero.
456 gears with spool.
Running that with mufflers. Could probably be made quicker with some fiberglass body panels.
Gently driven, only on the weekends….1/4 mile at a time.
If the motors still strong I don’t think you could build one at this price.
I’ve had several of these and they are great cars. I sold my mothers car just like this and they turned it into a street legal race car. He brought it by the house one day and we ran it as hard as it would go right in front of my place, ( I do live on the state highway).
Mom said she was going to the grocery store and wanted to barrow the wagon. I’ll bet she was really surprised. Now she won’t give me back the keys.
Reminds me of a Volvo Garage in Sacto that had a Volvo station wagon that would do wheelies. Don’t know what they had in it but maybe a modified stock.