These are standard specifications for the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu, not necessarily specifications for the vehicle(s) in the photo(s).
Transmission:
3 Manual , 4 Manual , Automatic Turbo Hydra-Matic
Information provided by NHTSA
Data updated January 2023
Features
| Engine Location : | Front |
| Drive Type : | Rear Wheel |
| Body / Chassis : | Unit Steel |
| Production Years for Series : | 1978 - 1983 |
| Price : | $3,030-$4,715 |
| Weight : | 3000 lbs | 1360.777 kg |
Engine & Transmission
| V 6 90-degree | |
|---|---|
| Displacement : | 3785 cc | 231.0 cu in. | 3.8 L. |
| Power : | 105 BHP (77.28 KW) @ 3400 RPM |
| Torque : | 185 Ft-Lbs (251 NM) @ 2000 RPM |
| Bore : | 3.8 in | 97 mm. |
| Stroke : | 3.4 in | 86 mm. |
| Compression : | 8.0:1 |
| Main Bearings : | 4 |
| Construction : | Cast-iron block and head |
| V 8 | |
|---|---|
| Displacement : | 4998 cc | 305.0 cu in. | 5.0 L. |
| Power : | 130 BHP (95.68 KW) @ 4000 RPM |
| Torque : | 230 Ft-Lbs (312 NM) @ 2400 RPM |
| Bore : | 3.9 in | 98 mm. |
| Stroke : | 3.3 in | 83 mm. |
| Compression : | 8.5:1 |
| Valvetrain : | 16 OHV (2 valves per cylinder) |
| V 8 90-degree | |
|---|---|
| Displacement : | 4998 cc | 305.0 cu in. | 5.0 L. |
| Power : | 145 BHP (106.72 KW) @ 3800 RPM |
| Torque : | 245 Ft-Lbs (332 NM) @ 2400 RPM |
| Bore : | 3.7 in | 95 mm. |
| Stroke : | 3.5 in | 88 mm. |
| Compression : | 8.4:1 |
| Main Bearings : | 5 |
| Valvetrain : | 16 OHV (2 valves per cylinder) |
| Construction : | Cast-iron block and head |
| V 8 90-degree | |
|---|---|
| Displacement : | 5735 cc | 350.0 cu in. | 5.7 L. |
| Power : | 170 BHP (125.12 KW) @ 3800 RPM |
| Torque : | 270 Ft-Lbs (366 NM) @ 2400 RPM |
| Bore : | 4.0 in | 102 mm. |
| Stroke : | 3.5 in | 88 mm. |
| Compression : | 8.2:1 |
| Main Bearings : | 5 |
| Valvetrain : | 16 OHV (2 valves per cylinder) |
| Construction : | Cast-iron block and head |
3 Manual , 4 Manual , Automatic Turbo Hydra-Matic
Production Figures
| Total Chevrolet Production for 1978 : | 2,375,436 |
| Total 1978 Malibu production : | 120,785 |
| 1978 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Classic Landau 2 dr. 6 P : | 4,685 |
| Classic Sedan 4 dr. 6 P : | 4,560 |
| Classic Sport Coupe 2 dr. 6 P : | 4,460 |
| Classic Station Wagon 4 dr. 6 P : | 4,715 |
| Sedan 4 dr. 6 P : | 44,426 |
| Sport Coupe 2 dr. 6 P : | 27,089 |
| Station Wagon 4 dr. 6 P : | 30,850 |
Handling
Recall
| Component | EQUIPMENT |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
| NHTSA Campaign ID | 07E088000 |
| Summary | CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES. |
| Consequence | THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE. |
| Remedy | HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075. |
| Notes | CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO SAFERCAR.GOV. |
| Component | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
| NHTSA Campaign ID | 77V181000 |
| Summary | THE REAR BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER RETAINER ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED. SHOULD THE WHEEL CYLINDER RETAINER BECOME COMPLETELY DISENGAGED, THE WHEEL CYLINDER COULD MOVE OUTBOARD CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND A LOSS OF REAR BRAKING ACTION. |
| Remedy | THE DEALER WILL REPOSITION THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER RETAINERS, FREE OF CHARGE, ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. |
| Notes | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER RETAINERS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF REAR BRAKING CAPABILITY CAN OCCUR WITHOUTWARNING AND AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT.NOTE: LOSS OF BRAKING ACTION WILL BE SIGNALLED TO DRIVER BY THE WARNING LIGHTON THE DASH AND BY AN INCREASE IN BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND INCREASED VEHICLESTOPPING DISTANCES. |
| Component | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
| NHTSA Campaign ID | 85V048000 |
| Summary | EXCESSIVE ENLARGEMENT OF THE WHEEL CYLINDER PILOT HOLE IN THE REAR BRAKE BACKING PLATE COULD ALLOW THE WHEEL CYLINDER TO ROTATE AND CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID LEADS TO LOSS OF REAR BRAKE ACTION, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. FRONT BRAKES WOULD REMAIN OPERATIONAL. |
| Remedy | ADD A PART TO PREVENT WHEEL CYLINDER FROM ROTATING. |
| Notes | NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1985 AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 30, 1985.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MIDSIZE PASSENGER CARS AND SMALL TRUCKS. SYSTEM: REAR BRAKES. |
| Component | SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
| Mfr Report Date | 19770801 |
| NHTSA Campaign ID | 79V175000 |
| Summary | UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT WHEEL OUTER BEARING AREA WHICH CAN AFFECT THE WHEEL BEARING GREASE. THIS CAN RESULT IN INADEQUATE LUBRICATION OF THE BEARING. THIS CONDITION MAY BE FURTHER AGGRAVATED BY IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT. |
| Remedy | THE DEALER WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT WHEEL OUTER BEARINGS PACKED WITH GREASE AND THE SPINDLE WILL BE COATED WITH LUBRICANT. NEW GREASE RETAINER CAPS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO MAINTAIN GREASE IN OUTER BEARING. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE. |
| Notes | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; WHEELS; BEARING GREASE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITHINADEQUATE LUBRICATION MAY CAUSE FAILURE OF THE FRONT WHEEL OUTER BEARING ANDTHE SPINDLE. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT MAY RESULT.NOTE: BEARING AND SPINDLE FAILURE MAY BE PRECEDED BY A NOTICEABLE VIBRATION ANDNOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. |
| Component | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
| Mfr Report Date | 19770801 |
| NHTSA Campaign ID | 78V139000 |
| Summary | THE HUB PORTION OF THE FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK DUE TO HIGH STRESS LEVELS GENERATED DURING ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS. EVENTUALLY, THE BLADE COULD BREAK APART AT THE HUB AND BLADE PIECES COULD BE PROPELLED INTO THE ENGINE. IF THE HOOD IS OPEN WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THE FRAGMENTS WOULD BE FREE TO FLY FROM THE VEHICLE. |
| Remedy | DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER. |
| Notes | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: ENGINE COOLING; FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FAN FAILURE COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO COMPONENTS IN THEENGINE AREA, OR PERSONAL INJURY TO BYSTANDERS IF THE HOOD IS OPEN AT THE TIME.NOTE: THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE SERVICED WITH THE HOOD OPEN AND THE ENGINERUNNING UNTIL THE DEFECT IS CORRECTED. |
| Component | SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
| Mfr Report Date | 19770801 |
| NHTSA Campaign ID | 78V115000 |
| Summary | INCORRECT HEAD RESTRAINTS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS'. |
| Remedy | DEALER WILL REPLACE INCORRECT HEAD RESTRAINTS WITH IMPROVED HEAD RESTRAINTS. |
| Notes | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: INTERIOR; HEAD RESTRAINTS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, INADEQUATE HEAD RESTRAINTSCOULD RESULT IN SERIOUS HEAD INJURIES. |
| Component | SUSPENSION:REAR |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
| Mfr Report Date | 19770801 |
| NHTSA Campaign ID | 81V025000 |
| Summary | THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS THE REAR AXLE. FRACTURE OF THE BOLTS WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP FREE. |
| Remedy | BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE. |
| Notes | SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BOLTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE FRACTURE OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION,IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT. |
| Component | POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
| Mfr Report Date | 19770801 |
| NHTSA Campaign ID | 84V149000 |
| Summary | REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AXLES THAT WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE VEHICLE. |
| Remedy | THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE BUFFALO PLANT. IF SO, THEY WILL MAKE AXLE MEASUREMENTS AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE OR MODIFY AFFECTED AXLE COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE. |
| Notes | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; REAR AXLE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD LEAD TO LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT. |
Data updated January 2023
1978 Averages
| Avg. Household Income : | $17,000 |
| Avg. Home : | $54,800 |
| Avg. Gallon of Gas : | $0.63 |
1978 Chevrolet Malibu FAQs (show)
Popular frequently asked questions include:
What are the dimension and mechanical specifications of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu?
Q: What is the wheelbase size of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu has a wheelbase size of 108.10 inches.Q: What is the length of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu has lengths of 192.70 and 193.40 inches.Q: What is the width of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu has width of 71.20 and 71.50 inches.Q: How much did the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu cost when new?A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu cost approximately $3,030 to $4,715 (USD) when new.Q: What were the bodystyles of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu was offered as a Classic Landau, Classic Sedan, Classic Sport Coupe, Classic Station Wagon, Sedan, Sport Coupe, Station Wagon.Q: How many vehicles did Chevrolet produce in 1978? A: Chevrolet produced 2,375,436 automobiles in 1978.Q: How many 1978 Malibus were produced? A: Chevrolet produced 120,785 examples of the Malibu in 1978.Q: What engines did the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu have? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu had the following engine options: V 6 (3785 cc | 231.0 cu in. | 3.8 L.) with 105 BHP (77.28 KW) @ 3400 RPM and 185 Ft-Lbs (251 NM) @ 2000 RPM V 8 (4998 cc | 305.0 cu in. | 5.0 L.) with 130 BHP (95.68 KW) @ 4000 RPM and 230 Ft-Lbs (312 NM) @ 2400 RPM V 8 (4998 cc | 305.0 cu in. | 5.0 L.) with 145 BHP (106.72 KW) @ 3800 RPM and 245 Ft-Lbs (332 NM) @ 2400 RPM V 8 (5735 cc | 350.0 cu in. | 5.7 L.) with 170 BHP (125.12 KW) @ 3800 RPM and 270 Ft-Lbs (366 NM) @ 2400 RPM Q: What transmissions did the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu have? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu had the following gearbox options: 3 speed Manual, 4 speed Manual, Automatic Turbo Hydra-Matic.
What are the dimension and mechanical specifications of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu?
How many 1978 Chevrolet Malibu were produced?
How powerful was the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu? Was the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu popular? Was the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu expensive? What was the fuel economy of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu?
Q: What is the wheelbase size of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu has a wheelbase size of 108.10 inches.Q: What is the length of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu has lengths of 192.70 and 193.40 inches.Q: What is the width of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu has width of 71.20 and 71.50 inches.Q: How much did the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu cost when new?A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu cost approximately $3,030 to $4,715 (USD) when new.Q: What were the bodystyles of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu was offered as a Classic Landau, Classic Sedan, Classic Sport Coupe, Classic Station Wagon, Sedan, Sport Coupe, Station Wagon.Q: How many vehicles did Chevrolet produce in 1978? A: Chevrolet produced 2,375,436 automobiles in 1978.Q: How many 1978 Malibus were produced? A: Chevrolet produced 120,785 examples of the Malibu in 1978.Q: What engines did the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu have? A: The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu had the following engine options: V 6 (3785 cc | 231.0 cu in. | 3.8 L.) with 105 BHP (77.28 KW) @ 3400 RPM and 185 Ft-Lbs (251 NM) @ 2000 RPMSimilar Vehicles
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